"I don't like my fellow-boarders," he thought. "I sha'n't stay in the maison de fous any longer than I am obliged to."
CHAPTER XXVII.
A Midnight Escape.
For three days Ben passed a dull, uniform existence, being most of the time confined to his chamber. To a boy of active temperament it was most irksome. If he only had something to read, the hours would pass more swiftly. Fortunately, on the second day, he bethought himself of Francois, who seemed friendly.
"Francois," he said, "can't you get me something to read?"
"I don't know," said the attendant, doubtfully. "What would monsieur like?"
"Anything you can find. I would prefer a story."
"I will try, monsieur."
The next time Francois made his appearance he held in his hand a tattered edition of a popular novel.