Schwann laughed. "That is ridiculous!" he said.
"That may be, but I have orders to arrest these men! Where are they?"
"I will show you!" said Robeccal, quickly. The door of the chamber was locked.
"Break it in!" cried Robeccal.
"Wait! Law before all else." And standing in a military attitude, the Brigadier shouted: "In the name of the king, open!"
As may be supposed, there was no reply. Then, with his shoulder, the Brigadier burst it open.
"Gone!" roared Robeccal, and looking round he quickly espied the improvised rope at the window, and flew down the stairs.
Cyprien drew the Brigadier aside. "Spare no exertion. The fate of France depends on you, now!" he said.
The Brigadier became immensely important on hearing these words. He took a lantern and hunted for traces of the fugitives.