"Thank you! thank you!" he cried. "Neither Mr. Mallow nor myself will ever forget your kindness."
"Bah!" Rouge shrugged his shoulders. "It is nothing. What would you have? Monsieur Mallow has been good to me. He has given me money and kind words. No, Monsieur, I am no ingrate to permit one so beneficent to perish. Death is for the evil, not for the good."
"Suppose his escape is discovered?"
"Only when it is too late for them," said Rouge, with a cruel smile. "They will not care for Monsieur Mallow's escape. No, my faith!"
"But what of yourself?"
"That shall be as the good God designs. Ask me no more, Monsieur, but be you in that street at eight o'clock to-morrow night. I will bring your friend to your arms. I swear it! I, Emile Durand, by the head of my Sophie, by my little Therese But when you have your friend, go far--there will be danger."
"If we can ever repay you----"
"Repay me?" Rouge seized Aldean by the hand, and looked into his face with earnest eyes. "Monsieur, have masses said for the repose of the dear ones. It is all I ask, If the good Lord give me death in my vengeance, buy a mass for the poor Emile Durand."
He sighed, dropped Aldean's hand, but still looked at him.
"I promise," said Jim, earnestly. "Masses shall be said for Sophie and the little one; but I hope you will escape."