“You must fly,” declared M. Desclavettes.

“Which way? How? Do you not think that every precaution has been taken, that every issue is closely watched?”

Maxence interrupted him with a gesture:

“The windows in sister’s room, father,” said he, “open upon the courtyard of the adjoining house.”

“Yes; but here we are up two pairs of stairs.”

“No matter: I have a way.”

And turning towards his sister:

“Come, Gilberte,” went on the young man, “give me a light, and let me have some sheets.”

They went out hurriedly. Mme. Favoral felt a gleam of hope.

“We are saved!” she said.