"'I have the order for them to be shot. Let me go up to them and I will tell them to come down.'
"The words were saluted by a bloodthirsty cheer. It occurred to no one to dispute my authority or ask a question. The key was handed to me and I went up to the second storey and entered the door of the long corridor in which their cells were situated.
"'Gentlemen,' I began. 'I am Jean Antoine——'
"Before I could say more, a dozen strong arms had gripped me and thrown me on the ground, and my wrists were tied fast with a handcuff improvised from a piece of string.
"'A hostage! We also have a hostage,' they cried in an exultant chorus.
"Then, just as I was fearing more rough usage, I heard the voice of Père Dubois.
"'Be gentle with him. He is a friend of mine. Hear what he has to say.'
"So the policeman who was seated on my chest got up again, and I was able to proceed—
"'Gentlemen,' I gasped. 'Citizen Ferré is on his way here to have you shot. I raced him here that I might warn you. I am Jean Antoine Stromboli Kosnapulski.'
"They looked inquiringly at me and at each other, and in the meantime there came what looked suspiciously like proof that I was lying. Ferré had, at last, arrived, and a fresh messenger came to the entrance of the corridor; though, with greater caution than I had shown, he only spoke through the keyhole.