‘Not by your route,’ said Benoit. ‘I know every turn of the quarries better than yourselves; I ought to do, for I worked in them when the stone was hewn for the new works at the Gobelins. Do me the pleasure, ma’amselle, to scramble through this opening.’
The last words were addressed to Louise, who remained close to her new protector during the hurried parley, but at his bidding prepared to climb over the debris of the gypsum into a passage beyond. Bras d’Acier made a movement to intercept her, but was restrained by Lachaussée.
‘Your turn is yet to come,’ said the robber, grinding his teeth at Benoit.
‘As you please, mon maître; only think twice about it first,’ answered the Languedocian, as he assisted Louise through the archway.
‘You have checked us to-night,’ said Lachaussée; ‘it is the first time, but it is the last; and when we meet above ground we will let you know it.’
‘Sacré bleu!’ roared Bras d’Acier, rushing forward with a sudden impulse. ‘I can’t lose our promised wages thus, come what may. Give up the girl.’
As he flew at the broken archway, Benoit met him with a heavy blow from his weapon upon his head. To another man it would have caused instant death. Upon Bras d’Acier it had no other effect than making him reel back against Lachaussée, who was behind him.
‘Fly, ma’amselle!’ said Benoit; ‘straight before you, towards that light at the end of the souterrain. I warned you,’ he continued, turning to the others. ‘You will find as strong arms in Languedoc as in Paris.’
Bras d’Acier was for the minute stunned; he caught Lachaussée by the arm and leant upon him for support. Benoit took advantage of the circumstance to put the final coup to his enterprise.
‘When we hunt out vermin,’ he said, ‘it is of no use unless we destroy their nest. Now, save yourselves as you like; but you shall not come near me.’