"Follow me!" said Robeccal. "I know a way into the street. No one will see you."
Arthur and Frederic were still fighting; the tumult below had not decreased.
Robeccal took the girl's hand, and led her to the door which opened into the private apartments of Aubé. They passed through these until they reached another flight of stairs. Down these the girl ran, closely followed by Robeccal. They went out through a narrow alley. Suddenly, Francine heard a whistle, and she was seized, a handkerchief over her head stifled her cries, and she felt that she was being carried away by vigorous arms.
"Well done!" said Robeccal, "and now for La Roulante!"
CHAPTER XXVI.
A MAN CHASE.
When the men on the stairs heard the whistle blown by Robeccal, they rushed through the crowd brandishing their knives. They disappeared in the street.
Aubé hurried up-stairs. Francine had disappeared. Fernando had finally succeeded in separating the combatants, and pushed Frederic out of the door.