Suddenly a loud shout announced that the door had yielded, and Canolles heard the assailants rushing from room to room with cries of joy.
"Ah me!" he muttered, "five minutes hence these cries of joy will change to shrieks of despair."
He rushed into the underground passage, where he found a young man sitting on the barrel, with the torch at his feet, and his face buried in his hands.
He raised his head at the sound of footsteps and Canolles recognized Madame de Cambes.
"Ah! here you are at last!" she cried, as she rose.
"Claire!" murmured Canolles, "why have you come here?"
"To die with you, if you are determined to die."
"I am dishonored, ruined, and there is nothing for me But to die."
"You are saved and your honor is secure,—saved by me."
"Ruined by you! Do you hear them? they are coming; here they are! Claire, make your escape while you may; you have five minutes, it is more than enough."