"In that case," said Simon, filling himself a glass, "I drink to the health of the Great Enterprise. To the unending radiance of the crescent moon, to your new estate of Chateaux Vieux de Mouchy, and to Simon, Duc d'Orrain!"
With this he drank, and set the glass back on the table with a little click.
There was a silence, and then Diane rose.
"There is nothing further to discuss, I think?" she said.
"No," replied Simon; "except that Dom Antoine here would like to register a certain grant within a week."
She made no answer; but, preceded by De Mouchy and followed by Simon, moved to the door, and all three left the room together. The stars had been with me, and two minutes later I stood beside La Marmotte.
"Well?" she asked.
"There is no time to talk. If we could but get back that rope it would remove all suspicion."
She hesitated, and then: "Perhaps with your sword."
"Excellent!" And, drawing my sword, which I had slung on once more, I leaned forth from the window, and found that the point easily reached the hook. It needed but a turn of the wrist to free the rope, which, a moment after, was drawn in safely.