“Have we any intelligent men in the citadel?” he murmured. “The assistance of a jailer or of a soldier is indispensable.”
He turned to his father, and brusquely asked: “Have you any man in whom you can confide?”
“I have three or four spies—they can be bought.”
“No! the wretch who betrays his comrade for a few sous, will betray you for a few louis. We must have an honest man who sympathizes with the opinions of Baron d’Escorval—an old soldier who fought under Napoleon, if possible.”
A sudden inspiration visited Marie-Anne’s mind.
“I know the man that you require!” she cried.
“You?”
“Yes, I. At the citadel.”
“Take care! Remember that he must risk much. If this should be discovered, those who take part in it will be sacrificed.”
“He of whom I speak is the man you need. I will be responsible for him.”