The nature of the disaster had been understood at once by the soldiery, and the explanation had spread among the people, rousing that strange mixture of curiosity and horror that draws the common throng to the scene of every accident or crime.

But amongst the very first the King was on the spot with half-a-dozen superior officers, and in the briefest possible time the search for dead and wounded began.

The story of Giovanni's splendid presence of mind and heroic courage ran from mouth to mouth.

The junior officers and the men whom he had sent in all directions came in and reported themselves to the officer who had taken charge of everything for the time being.

Only one man was missing--only one man and Giovanni himself.