The Opposite House: A Novel — page 209: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

204 The Opposite Flouse. the wounded man, and slowly dropped the strength- ening liquid on his parched tongue. A long breath heaved the chest, the limbs relaxed as if with a sense of profound relief, and when Traugott un- fastened the buttons of the coat and loosened the sword-belt, the cuirassier opened his dim eyes and gazed at the German deliverer who was so merci- fully aiding his foe. An inarticulate murmur reached his ear; the Frenchman’s wan hand was feebly raised, and Trau- gott understood the mute thanks, lifted the wounded man’s head to a more comfortable position, and re- peatedly moistened his parched tongue. A smile of touching appreciation flitted over his distorted face ; then sighing heavily, he closed his eyes, and again lapsed into unconsciousness. Weakness also overpowered Traugott, who lay gazing blankly at the clouds, whose sunset hues were fading. He arranged his head more comfort- ably on the moss-covered stone; his hand rested heavily on his breast, closely clasping the mysterious jewel which seemed, in truth, to guard him. Then he looked thoughtfully at the pallid face of the French cavalryman, and the hand which but a few hours ago had wielded the weapon with such youth- ful vigor now lay clenched upon his bleeding breast. It was a narrow face, framed by a dark, full beard ; Comicboolk<s