But it instantly opened, and there appeared a police officer in uniform, who said—
"If you attempt to pass this door, you are a dead man."
The window!
It was not very high above the roadway, and one bold leap might yet bring liberty.
But, as if reading his very thoughts, Delamarre gave one of those peculiar raps on the table, which was again echoed from without, and instantly the figure of a policeman armed with a revolver was seen filling the casement.
The chimney!
That he knew was crossed by strong bars. No exit that way.
"Sit down, Pierre Lenoir."
The detective was provokingly cool, and the coiner gnashed his teeth with rage.
"Sit down, man; why, you ought to feel proud at being taken so neatly."