But the amazing spectacle which kept him riveted was just in front of him.

An old hag of a woman was sitting in a chair with her back towards them.

She was mending with a big needle the holes in an old sack, and while she bent over her work she crooned to herself some French song.

Every now and then she raised her eyes, for in front of her, under her charge, Mlle.

Celie, the girl of whom Hanaud was in search, lay helpless upon a sofa.