CHAPTER XVII.
Free!
On the third night after my visit to the Council Chamber I was awakened from a sound sleep by some one shaking my arm. Looking up and rubbing my eyes, I beheld the gaoler with a lantern in his hand bending over me.
"Rise, monsieur, and dress quickly," said he.
"Who wants me at this time of night?" I asked.
"I do not know, monsieur. I have my orders, and the soldiers are waiting at the foot of the stairs. But courage, monsieur!"
The tone in which the man spoke made me shiver. It was plain that he expected the worst, and I immediately remembered the councillor's threats. My heart beat quickly at the thought of the dreaded torture chamber, and my fingers trembled as I fastened my clothes.
"Am I to be put on the rack?" I asked, but the gaoler, shaking his held slowly, replied that he knew nothing.
"An officer of police brought an order signed by the Governor, but he would answer no questions. If it should be so, confess everything, monsieur. You are very young, and the rack—ah!"
"Thanks, my friend, though I am sorry your advice will not help me. I have already told the truth, and they would not believe it."