"That is well," with evident satisfaction assented his companion. "And take with you also the steel casket. In it are all the necessary documents, some articles of clothing on which the mother with her own hands embroidered the well-known symbol, and a million of francs in English bank-notes. These, however, you will not use unless compelled to do so by extreme necessity. You will receive annually a sufficient sum from a certain banking-house which will supply all your wants. Have our two trusty friends been apprised?"
"Yes; they await me hourly."
"So soon as you are beyond the French boundary you may communicate with me in the way we have agreed upon. Until I hear from you I shall be in a terror of anxiety. I am sorry I cannot accompany you, but I am already suspected. You are, as yet, free from suspicion—are not yet registered in the black book!"
"You may trust my skill to evade pursuit," said the young man, producing from a secret cupboard a casket richly ornamented with gold.
"I do not doubt your skill, or your ability to accomplish the undertaking; but the task is not a suitable one for so young a man. Have you considered the fate which awaits you?"
"I have considered everything."
"You will be buried; and, what is worse, you will be the keeper of your own prison."
"I shall be a severe jailer, I promise you," with a grim smile responded the young man.
"Jester! You forget your twenty-six years! And who can tell how long you may be buried alive?"
"Have no fear for me. I do not dread the task. Those in power now will one day be overthrown."