He seemed, if any curious eye fell on him, to be engaged in watching the swirling torrent pour from the narrow channel beneath him, as in warmer weather many a one stood to watch it.

Here two minutes later Louis found him; and if Blondel still cherished hope, if he still fought against fear, or maintained courage, the lad's smirking face was enough to end all.
For a moment, such was the effect on him, Blondel could not speak.

At last, with an effort, "What is it ?" he said.

"What has happened ?" "Much," Louis replied glibly.

"Last night, after you had gone, honoured sir, I judged by this and that, that there was something afoot.