"What secret is that?"
"The secret where Father Peter is now."
At this name, the lady sprang toward Master Mathias, raised him up from the bearskin, and laid him on a couch.
"What, you know where he is! Is he still alive?"
"Yes, he is, and no harm has been done yet!"
"Where is he?"
"Give me the antidote quickly."
"No, no; there is time yet. I must have the secret first, there is no escape for you until then."
Large drops of sweat stood out on the brow of the tortured man.
"My master made me promise on the Holy Gospels that I would not betray it to any body. I shall go to Hell for this."