A gag was inserted between Aslitta's lips, his arms and limbs were bound, and two pandours dragged him away, while the count said:
"You know the order; take good care of him! You must answer for the prisoner with your life."
One of the pandours pressed the muzzle of his gun against Aslitta's forehead and threateningly said:
"Do not stir or I will blow your brains out."
Aslitta was obliged to obey. The carriage in which he had been placed stopped, the marquis was lifted out, and the doors of a subterranean dungeon closed behind him.
CHAPTER XXV
THE MASKS FALL
When the hated Austrian uniforms appeared in the brilliantly lighted streets, a threatening noise was uttered by the mob, and the students who surrounded Luciola's carriage threw themselves upon the officers.