"Hem, my boy, that is easier said than done. Besides, I can tell you why you hate me."
"I am curious to know! I hardly know myself why I hate you," said Benedetto, maliciously.
"Because you think I lied to you, because in prison I spoke of escape, and have not said a word about that since."
Benedetto stammered a few unintelligible words, and was ashamed to have had his thoughts read so easily.
"Do you know the story of Brutus, who pretended to be a simpleton, so as to bring about the downfall of Tarquin the more effectually?" asked Anselmo, with a malicious smile.
"You are making fun of me," Benedetto gruffly answered. "Did you deceive me when you gave me the letter for Monsieur Magloire?"
"Do you really think so?"
"What a question! Do you think Monsieur Magloire could aid us in escaping?"
"Suppose he has already done so."