Then the question of tying their hands was discussed—an important question.
Pontcalec answered with his smile of sublime confidence.
"Oh, leave us at least our hands free; we will go without disturbance."
"That has nothing to do with us," replied the executioner who was attending to Pontcalec; "unless by special order, the rules are the same for all sufferers."
"And who gives these orders?" said Pontcalec, laughing, "the king?"
"No, marquis," answered the executioner, astonished by such unexampled presence of mind, "not the king, but our chief."
"And where is your chief?"
"That is he, talking with the jailer Christopher."
"Call him then," said Pontcalec.
"Ho, Monsieur Waters!" cried the executioner, "please to come this way; there is one of these gentlemen asking for you."