There was another disturbance below. A great noise, and a voice shouting, "Open! in the name of the law!"
Fanfar started.
"At last!" cried Aubé. "It is the police; probably by this time the men are arrested."
Fanfar laid his hand on his shoulder, and said rapidly, "No, no; the police of Louis XVIII. do not disturb themselves for such trifles; they are after other game than criminals—"
"Open, in the name of the king! If not, we force the door!"
"These officers are in pursuit of men who have sworn eternal war against oppression and corruption—who detest a despotic monarchy and demand a free and honest republic!"
"Do you speak of yourself?" asked Montferrand, quickly.
Aubé opened his eyes wide. Certainly, this was a most extraordinary evening!
"You are lost!" cried Montferrand.
"Not yet!" answered Fanfar. "Pray, Monsieur Aubé, hold them in conversation, a few minutes. Good-bye, but remember that I shall rescue Francine." As he spoke, he ran lightly up the upper stairs.