“Well,” said de Sartines, “what can I do?”
“I do not know, monsieur, but I thought it my duty to consult you.”
“Have you told your master of this affair?”
Brujon hesitated.
“No, monsieur, I have not—he is of such a violent temper——.”
“Precisely. But the fact remains that you have hidden the thing from him, and that fact would not calm the violence of his temper should you disclose the affair now. He might even do you an injury, so, for the sake of peace and your own skin, I would advise you to say nothing, but keep a vigilant watch. Should Jouve turn up, hidden anywhere, lock him up in a room, and send here at once and I will send a man to arrest him.”
“Thank you, monsieur,” replied Brujon, who seemed relieved by Sartines’ manner and advice. “I will do what you say. Good day, your Excellency.”
When he was gone Sartines rang a bell and ordered Beauregard to be sent to him.
“Ma foi!” said Beauregard, “there is more in this than I can fathom. What can he be doing all these four days?”
“Who knows?” replied the Minister. “But I am quite confident he has not been idle. He will turn up, and I dare swear he will bring with him the rope to hang Monsieur Camus. It has been spinning for a long time and is overdue. Now here is a commission for you. Since I can’t put hands on Lavenne for the business, go yourself to Vincennes and see how Rochefort is doing. They have had orders to make him comfortable, see that these orders have been carried out. We must keep him in a good temper.”