Benedetto looked at his comrade with wide open mouth.
"Are you really so anxious to escape?" continued Anselmo.
"Really anxious? I would give my right hand were I able to escape from prison on a certain day!"
"And when is that?"
"I must leave Toulon on the night of the 24th of April."
"You must! That settles it."
"Do not be sarcastic—I must be at liberty or else—"
"Well? or else—"
"Then, you will not betray me, will you?"
"Your anxiety on that point comes rather late," said Anselmo dryly. "To reassure you, however, let me tell you that it is not to my interest to betray you. Look at me. Just as I stand here, I have the power to set you free on the spot."