"That is very simple, your highness; in descending from the gallery you will find yourself in the garden, from which a gate opens into the fields."
"Very well, then, my boy, conduct me there quickly. I long for the fields like a bird in a cage."
"Ah, it is not necessary, your highness; here is monsieur the baron, he will conduct you himself," said the lackey.
"To the devil with the baron!" thought Croustillac. The governor was not alone; Chemerant accompanied him.
"Faith, your highness," said the latter, "fortunately we see you risen. We came to wake you."
"To wake me—and why?"
"Wind and tide wait for no one. The tide goes out at three o'clock; it is now half-past two. It will take us a half hour to reach the mole, where the boat awaits us. We have just time to get there, your highness."
"Now, then, the die is cast," said Croustillac. "Let us try only to gain a few hours before being presented to my partisans. Sir, I am at your orders," added the adventurer, draping himself in a brown mantle which he had found with his clothes.
The governor felt it his duty to accompany, as escort, De Chemerant and the mysterious unknown to the mole; the flight of the Gascon was thus rendered absolutely impossible.
At the moment of quitting the governor, Chemerant said to him, "Sir, I will render to the king a full account of the efficient aid you have given me. I can now say it to you, the secret has been perfectly kept."