But the enemy comes up faster than the wind; Leon hears the sound of his steps, his spurs jingle; he catches up with Leon, seizes him by the mane, flings himself with a bound upon his back, and goads him with the spur.

Leon rears; the rider bends over toward his ear and says, stroking him with his whip: "I am not heavy to carry:--thirty pounds of colonel." The unhappy lover of Mlle.

Clementine makes a violent effort and springs sideways; the Colonel falls and draws his sword.

Leon loses no time; he puts himself on guard and fights, but almost instantly feels the Colonel's sword enter his heart to the hilt.

The chill of the blade spreads further and further, and ends by freezing Leon from head to foot.