“I do not know,” I answered. “Wait and I will make the circuit.” I picked up the gun again and started on the round. I completed it without encountering any one. “There are only two sentries,” I said, as I rejoined Richelieu.
“Good,” he answered; “and now what?”
“My plan is to put on the clothes of these men and take their guns. When the guard is changed we will descend, and will perhaps be permitted to go out without question. If any one tries to stop us, we must kill him. At least, we shall be armed.”
“Splendid!” cried Richelieu. “By my soul, de Brancas, you are a man after my own heart.”
“Let us see how long we have to wait,” I said, and loosened the gag in the mouth of our first prisoner. “Tell us, fellow,” I said to him, “how soon are the guards changed?”
“In an hour,” he answered, sullenly.
I replaced the gag, and as I did so a new difficulty struck me.
“We must get rid of these men,” I said. “If the guards who come after us find them, they will give the alarm, and the prison will be aroused in a moment.”
“But we cannot kill them,” cried Richelieu, and I heard the two prisoners breathing heavily.
“No,” I answered; “but we must get rid of them, nevertheless. Wait a moment,” and I made a rapid circuit of the roof. “I have it. The chimneys.”