"Eh! monsieur," said Dubois, "since his highness has promised, what signify five minutes more or less?"
The regent looked uneasily at Dubois.
"Yes, you are right," said he, "this very moment; your portfolio, abbe, and quick, the young man is impatient."
Dubois bowed assent, called a servant, got his portfolio, and presented to the regent a sheet of paper, who wrote an order on it and signed it.
"Now a courier."
"Oh, no! monseigneur, it is useless."
"Why so?"
"A courier would never go quickly enough. I will go myself, if your highness will permit me; every moment I gain will save those unhappy men an age of torture."
Dubois frowned.
"Yes! yes! you are right," said the regent, "go yourself;" and he added in a low voice, "and do not let the order leave your hands."