"We have found each other in death; we shall be united in death. I wish it might be at once! I don't want him to suffer!"
The agony was too great. With an effort she released her hands from Stéphane's and made a movement to fling herself down. But she immediately threw herself back against the draw-bridge, with a cry of amazement which was echoed by Stéphane.
Something had passed before their eyes and disappeared again. It came from the left.
"The ladder!" exclaimed Stéphane. "It's the ladder, isn't it?"
"Yes, it's François," said Véronique, catching her breath with joy and hope. "He is saved. He is coming to rescue us."
At that moment, the wall of torment was almost upright, vibrating implacably beneath their shoulders. The cave no longer existed behind them. The depths had already claimed them; at most they were clinging to a narrow ledge.
Véronique leant outwards again. The ladder swung back and then became stationary, fixed by its two hooks.
Above them, at the opening in the cliff, was a boy's face; and the boy was smiling and making gestures:
The call was eager and urgent. The two arms were outstretched towards the pair below. Véronique moaned:
"Quick, mother, I'm holding the ladder! . . . Quick! . . . It's quite safe!"
She had seized the nearest upright. This time, with Stéphane's assistance, she had no difficulty in placing her foot on the bottom rung. But she said:
"And you, Stéphane? You're coming with me, aren't you?"
"I have plenty of time," he said. "Hurry."
He had already turned towards the cliff and slipped his left hand into a narrow fissure which remained between the draw-bridge and the rock. His right hand reached the ladder and he was able to set foot on the lowest rung. He too was saved.
With what delight Véronique covered the rest of the distance! What mattered the void below her, now that her son was there, waiting for her to clasp him to her breast at last!
"Here I am, here I am," she said. "Here I am, my darling."
She swiftly put her head and shoulders in the window. He pulled her through; and she climbed over the ledge. At last she was with her son.
They flung themselves into each other's arms:
"Oh, mother, mother, is it really true? Mother!"
But she had no sooner closed her arms about him than she drew back a little, she did not know why. An inexplicable discomfort checked her first outburst.