Lagroin tottered back, and fell at the feet of his master.
Raising himself, he clasped Valmond's knee, and, looking up, said gaspingly: "Adieu, sire! I love you; I die for you." His head fell at his Emperor's feet, though the hands still clutched the knee.
Valmond stood over his body, one leg on either side, and drew a pistol.
"Surrender, monsieur," said the officer, "or we fire!" "Never! A Napoleon knows how to die!" was the reply, and he raised his pistol at the officer.
"Fire!" came the sharp command.
"Vive Napoleon!" cried the doomed man, and fell, mortally wounded.
At that instant the Cure, with Medallion, came hurrying round the corner of the church.
"Fools! Murderers!" he said to the soldiers.

"Ah, these poor children!" Stooping, he lifted up Valmond's head, and Medallion felt Lagroin's pulseless heart.
The officer picked up Valmond's pistol.

A moment afterwards he looked at the dying man in wonder; for he found that the weapon was not loaded!.