"What!" cried Claude.
The priest placed his hand on Claude's mouth.
"No one is listening; but it is best to be on our guard," he whispered. "Yes, I can save you, and will. This very night you shall be free, on your way to join your friend, the captain. To-day I received a message from him by an Indian. He had reached Canso. I had warned him to go there. The Indians went on board, and brought his message. He will wait there for us."
At this intelligence, which to Claude was unexpected and amazing, he could not say one word, but sat with clasped hands and a face of rapture. But suddenly a thought came to his mind, which disturbed his joy.
"Mimi—what of her?"
"You must go alone," said the priest.
Claude's face grew dark. He shook his head.
"Then I will not go at all."
"Not go! Who is she—do you know? She is the daughter of Laborde, the man who ruined your father."
Claude compressed his lips, and looked with fixed determination at the priest.