When the chanting ceased, and the priest had wrapped up the crucifix in
his stole, the suspense was more painful than ever. Semenoff lay there
as rigid, as motionless as before. Suddenly the same thought, dreadful
but irresistible, came into the minds of all. If only it could all end
quickly! If only Semenoff would die! In fear and shame they sought to
suppress this wish, exchanging timid glances.
"If only this were all over!" said Sanine in an undertone. "Ghastly,
isn't it?"
"Yes!" replied Ivanoff.
They spoke almost in whispers, and it was plain that Semenoff could not
hear them, but yet all the others looked shocked.
Schafroff was about to say something, but at that moment a new sound,
indescribably plaintive, echoed through the room, sending a shiver
through all.
"Ee--ee--ee!" moaned Semenoff.
And, as if he had got that mode of expression which he wanted, he
continued to give out this long-drawn note, only interrupted by his
laboured, hoarse breathing.
At first the others could not conceive what had happened to him, but
soon Sina and Dubova and Novikoff began to weep.
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