They went up the slope, which was very steep, although it wound around the hill. At the gate they made themselves known, and were then swallowed up in the depths of the fortress. The escort, the prisoner and Charles were left in the court while the captain in charge of the squad went to make his report to the commanding officer. In the meantime, Charles and the count improved their acquaintance, Charles in his turn giving information about his family. The captain reappeared on the doorstep in about ten minutes.
"Are you ready, citizen?" he asked the prisoner.
"Whenever you are," replied the latter.
"Have you anything to say?"
"No; but I have a few favors to ask."
"As I told you, anything in my power I will grant."
"Thank you, captain."
The captain came closer to the count. "We may serve under different flags," said he, "but we are still Frenchmen, and brave men recognize each other at a glance. Speak then; what do you want?"
"First, I want you to take off these cords which make me look like a galley-slave."