"Indeed! Very good, sir, if you have come to arrest these men, do not let me detain you!"
Arthur and Aubé exchanged a glance. Fanfar was by this time undoubtedly in safety.
"The house is well watched," continued the Commissioner, "and they cannot escape our vigilance!"
Montferrand started on hearing this. The Commissioner ran up-stairs, followed by his men. He reached the upper floor. An oath was heard.
"The birds have flown!" he shouted.
"They went by the roof!" some one called from below. This some one was Cyprien, who had been on guard in the street, and had seen forms against the sky.
"To the roof, then! And remember your orders, take them alive or dead!"
Cyprien, as agile as a tiger cat, now stood by the side of the Commissioner.
"You must go out this way," he said, pointing to the window.