"Oh, Monsieur le Docteur, you will save me from prison!" exclaimed poor, simple-minded Francois.
"On one condition."
"Name it, monsieur."
"Let no one know that the boy has escaped."
"I will not, if you desire it."
"You see, it will be bad for me as well as for you. It was very important to keep him—very important, indeed—and his friends will call me to account. But they need not know it, if you remain silent."
"No one shall hear me say a word, Monsieur le Docteur," said Francois, promptly.
"That is well. In that case I will overlook your disobedience, and allow you to return to your place."
"Oh, monsieur is too good!" said Francois, who did not by any means anticipate such magnanimous forgiveness.
"When can you come back?"