"Then I will do so; you understand,—I wish to be the first to tell him that his life is saved."
"Go then, madame, and receive the assurance of my respect."
Madame de Cambes made a hasty courtesy to the governor and followed the lieutenant. He was the same officer who had talked with Canolles and with Cauvignac, and he went about the duty assigned him with the zeal born of sympathy. In a moment he and Madame de Cambes were in the court-yard.
"The chief turnkey!" cried the lieutenant. "He will be here in an instant, madame; have no fear," he added.
The second turnkey appeared.
"Monsieur le lieutenant," said he, "the turnkey in chief cannot be found; we have sought in vain for him."
"Oh, monsieur," cried Claire; "does this mean further delay?"
"No, madame, the order is explicit; be calm."
Madame de Cambes thanked him with one of those glances which none but women and angels have to give.
"You have duplicate keys to all the cells?" asked Monsieur d'Orgemont.