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his secrets。 Having thus explained his successful imposture by
natural causes； which excluded any idea of magic or sorcery； he
protested his penitence； implored the mercy of God； and prepared
himself for execution as became a Christian。
The next day； while the populace； collecting from the whole
neighbourhood； had assembled before the parish church of Artigues in
order to behold the penance of the criminal； who； barefoot； attired
in a shirt； and holding a lighted torch in his hand； knelt at the
entrance of the church； another scene； no less painful； took place in
the house of Martin Guerre。 Exhausted by her suffering； which had
caused a premature confinement； Bertrande lay on her couch of pain；
and besought pardon from him whom she had innocently wronged；
entreating him also to pray for her soul。 Martin Guerre； sitting at
her bedside； extended his hand and blessed her。 She took his hand
and held it to her lips； she could no longer speak。 All at once a
loud noise was heard outside： the guilty man had just been executed
in front of the house。 When finally attached to the gallows； he
uttered a terrible cry； which was answered by another from inside the
house。 The same evening； while the body of the malefactor was being
consumed by fire； the remains of a mother and child were laid to rest
in consecrated ground。
End