"Until now," she continued, "no one has suspected the existence of these papers, which are of a nature to turn the tide of history. My father had no intention of making use of them. He wished to owe his success to the generosity of his sister, and he still trusts to that generosity. But Volpetti knows our secret and he will set forces in motion to wrest this last guarantee from us. He will not scruple as to means, even though our lives be the price. Instead, therefore, of dreaming of splendid victories and dashing revenges, let us think of a refuge. Captain Soliviac, head the vessel toward Dunkirk, for any other spot of France would be our sepulchre. Not even in Holland should we be safe."
Naundorff buried his face in his hands. The reproach implied in Amélie's words cut him deeply. Tho his heart approved his extravagant magnanimity, he realized that in freeing Volpetti he shut in his own face the doors of France and lost the opportunity of an interview with the sister whom he was so anxious to convince.
"Our fate is in God's hands, Amélie," he said with an imposing gesture, "Volpetti is under superhuman control."
"That superhuman control," observed Giacinto sarcastically, "sent a vessel to rescue him. That vessel at this moment carries him to France. Heart of the Madonna! we require genius now to escape with our lives. Am I not right, brothers?" and he turned solemnly toward the other Carbonari.
"Gentlemen," said Amélie, "a secret merits a secret. Of what force do you speak?"
"Mademoiselle," replied the Italian, "we are not permitted to reveal the key of our society. But this much may I say: We are the mines which, in annihilating the present, shall become the basis of the future. Though having the appearance of pygmies, we are loosening the foundations of the columns which support giants. Our aim is to protect the weak."
René listened with knitted brow and uneasy expression.
Louis Pierre added:
"We are vital reaction manifesting itself through convulsions. We are creating by destroying. Our program is to undo the done."
"The program of Satan," murmured Naundorff involuntarily.