"One blow for A.; twenty-four for Z."
"Thank you."
The chevalier struck a blow with the handle of the broom, to give notice to his neighbor that he was ready to enter into conversation with him; it was instantly answered by another blow.
At the end of half an hour the prisoners had succeeded in saying this—
"Good-evening, monsieur; what is your name?"
"Thank you, monsieur; I am the Chevalier Gaston de Chanlay."
"And I, the Marquis de Pompadour."
At this moment Gaston, looking toward the windows, saw the string shaking convulsively.
He struck three blows, to ask for patience, and returned to the chimney.
"Monsieur," said he to Dumesnil, "I beg you to remember that the string at the window seems prodigiously ennuyé."