"And a bird in the hand is worth two in a bush," said another.
"But we are three?" said the third, with a look of cupidity.
"You shall have three hundred francs, but let the convict escape."
"Good, madame! Your wish shall be fulfilled," said the men, after a pause; "but suppose he should be captured by some one else?"
"That cannot be helped," said Madame Danglars. "Who knows but what the poor fellow might get free this time. I saw the Bagnio to-day, and since then I am terribly nervous. It was frightful."
At this minute a shot was heard, and a firm voice cried:
"Help! help! Hold him!"
The innkeeper ran out, followed by the men. Madame Danglars crouched in a corner, and prayed to God to let her die before she should see her son.
The door was now torn open, and a great crowd entered the room.