The hunchback drew closer to him, lowering his voice and speaking with his hand before his mouth.
“You shall have them all, monsieur,� he said, “the girl, the old woman, M. d’Aguesseau, and the dog!�
“Bien!� exclaimed de Baudri cheerfully; “you shall have your hundred crowns. Viens donc, show me the way!�
The hunchback pointed toward the north.
“Up yonder,� he said, “behind those rocks on the hill, there is a grotto—I know it by accident; there they have hidden since morning. The way is long and rocky; monsieur must follow me.�
“Will they not see us approaching in time to fly?� he asked sharply.
Le Bossu shook his head with a smile.
“Nay,� he replied quietly, “we must go as if we intended to take the St. Hippolyte road; then, when we approach the spot we can surround them. The country is open and bare below the cave, though it lies in a little wood. They could not escape us.�
“Go on, then,� said de Baudri, impatiently; “to the cave or au diable! I tell thee plainly, though, that deceit will cost thee thy life.�
“So be it, monsieur,� rejoined the hunchback, calmly; “and the bon Dieu judge between me and thee,� he added to himself.