For a long time he could not turn round; it was as though an unseen power held him motionless in his position.

He looked at the crucifix.
"If he wakes," he thought, "he will see it.

It will comfort him if he is going to die!" With his back still turned towards the bed, he moved to one side, until he thought that Paolo could see what he had brought, if consciousness returned.

Very slowly, as though fearing some horrible sight, he changed his position and looked timidly in the direction of the sick man.

At last he saw the pale upturned face, and was amazed that such an accident should have produced so little change in the features.