"A hook, father?—for what purpose?"
"To tie to the end of a cord that I have here. There must be a loop at one end large enough to fix it securely."
"But this cord—this hook—for what purpose are they?"
"To scale the walls of the convent, if I cannot get in by the door."
"What convent?" asked Frances of her son.
"How, father?" cried the latter, rising abruptly. "You still think of that?"
"Why! what else should I think of?"
"But, father, it is impossible; you will never attempt such an enterprise."
"What is it, my child?" asked Frances, with anxiety. "Where is father going?"
"He is going to break into the convent where Marshal Simon's daughters are confined, and carry them off."