"I will bribe the jailers to let them escape."
"The jailers are not the only masters: and who among them would expose himself to almost certain death for the sake of your money?"
"Then I will do still better," replied Vauquelas. "I will bribe the judges of the Revolutionary Tribunal, and they will acquit your friends."
"Useless! these judges will demand that the money shall be paid in advance! and as soon as they have it in their grasp, they will condemn the prisoners."
"What can I do then?"
"There is no help for the misfortune, and it is because you are the cause of it that I am going to wreak my vengeance upon you!"
"Stop, stop! I will go to Robespierre."
"He will refuse your petition."
"No! my influence over him is all-powerful. I have means to compel him to grant my request."