"Here I am," said the turnkey, returning quickly to the window of the first compartment.
At that very moment, and as he turned to resume his former station, a frightful cry resounded through the prison, then an oath, and the ring of a sword snatched from its scabbard.
"Villain! brigand!" cried Gilbert, and the sound of a struggle was heard in the corridor.
At the same moment the door opened, displaying to the eyes of the turnkey two shadows struggling in the wicket, and thus affording free passage to a female, who, pushing aside Duchesne, rushed into the queen's chamber.
Duchesne, without noticing the woman, ran to his comrade's assistance.
The turnkey sprang toward the other window, and beheld the female on her knees before the queen, praying and supplicating her Majesty to exchange clothes with her.
He lowered his burning eyes, endeavoring to gain a clearer view of this woman whom he feared he had already recognized too well. All at once he uttered a dreadful cry.
"Geneviève! Geneviève!" murmured he.
The queen had dropped the file from her hand, and seemed transfixed with despair. Here, alas! was another abortive attempt.
The turnkey seized the bar with both hands, shook it with all his strength; but the file had not accomplished its work, the bar of iron would not yield to his efforts.