"That spell shall not be his another hour." But Blondel terrified by his sudden success, and loth, now the time was come, to put all on a cast, kept his hand on him.

"Stay! Stay!" he babbled, dragging him back.

"Do not be rash!" "Stay, and leave him to ruin her!" "Still, listen! Whatever you do, listen!" the Syndic answered; and insisted, clinging to him.

His agitation was such, that had Claude retained his powers of observation, he must have found something strange in this anxiety.

"Listen! If you find the casket, on your life touch nothing in it! On your life!" Blondel repeated, his hands clinging more tightly to the other's arm.