The sheriff cast a glance first at the justice of the quorum and then at

the wapentake.

The justice of the quorum, taking Gwynplaine's hat and mantle, put his

hands on his shoulders and placed him in the light by the side of the

chained man. The face of Gwynplaine stood out clearly from the

surrounding shadow in its strange relief.

At the same time, the wapentake bent down, took the man's temples

between his hands, turned the inert head towards Gwynplaine, and with

his thumbs and his first fingers lifted the closed eyelids.

The prisoner saw Gwynplaine. Then, raising his head voluntarily, and

opening his eyes wide, he looked at him.

He quivered as much as a man can quiver with a mountain on his breast,

and then cried out,--

'Tis he! Yes; 'tis he!"

And he burst into a horrible laugh.

"'Tis he!" he repeated.

Then his head fell back on the ground, and he closed his eyes again.

Registrar, take that down," said the justice.

The Man Who Laughs