"A little louder, please," said Don Luis. "I can't hear. Where's François?"
He climbed the ladder. Vorski stammered:
"Shall I be free?"
"On my word of honour. We shall all leave this place, except Otto, who will release you."
"At once?"
"At once."
"Then . . ."
"Then what?"
"Well, François is alive."
"You mutton-head. I know that. But where is he?"