“Impossible. How can I come through this hole?”
“I will find a means. It is now ten o’clock, or at least I heard the chime a moment ago when I was talking to you. Be prepared to leave your cell. Can you climb down a rope?”
“Yes, monsieur, I have done so once in my early days.”
“Well, be prepared to do so again.”
“But I do not see your meaning in the least.”
“Never mind, you will soon.”
“You frighten me.”
“By my faith,” said Rochefort, laughing, “I am not easily frightened, but if I were, I believe I should be frightened now. Put back your bed, M. Ferminard, and when Bonvallot visits you on his last round pretend to be asleep.”