They listened again; the footsteps drew nearer.
"You are greatly embarrassed with those three prisoners," Hullin was saying, in an abrupt tone. "Since you return to Falkenstein to-night to procure ammunition, what prevents your taking them with you?"
"But where shall I put them?"
"Where? Why, in the public prison of Abreschwiller; we cannot keep them here."
"All right; I understand, Jean-Claude; and if they attempt to escape by the way, I shall plant my toasting-iron between their shoulders."
"Of course, of course."
They had by this time reached the door, and Hullin, perceiving Materne, could not restrain a cry of delight.
"Ah! is it you, old fellow? I've been looking for you for the last hour. Where the deuce have you been to?"
"We've been carrying poor Rochart to the hospital, Jean-Claude."
"Ah! that's a bad job, isn't it?"