The fellow had stabbed him.

With indignation, as if it were a snake that had bit him, the blacksmith flung from him the hand he held.

The man gave a cry, staggered, recovered himself, and ran.

Joseph would have followed again, but fell, and for a minute or two lost consciousness.

When he came to himself, Mary was binding up his arm.
"What a fool I am!" he said, trying to get up, but yielding at once to Mary's prevention.