Madame was moved, and said they were all alike come upon evil days, and that perhaps now he would turn from his wicked ways.
Poor François was not quite clear as to his ways having been wicked.
"Well, if you are going," said the duke, "you had better be about it."
It was then young Des Illes said he must have a string, like people who went into caves, else he might never find his way back. The thief thought it a fine idea; and here was madame's big ball of knitting-wool. With no more delay, he took it, and leaving an end in Des Illes's hand, boldly walked away into the darkness with his lantern, and was soon lost to view.
When he came back to this anxious company, he had to report such a tangle of passages as caused him to say that to try to escape through these must be a last resort. He thought they might live on the rats if provisions gave out, but they must eat them raw.
"Hélas! what a fate!" said madame.
The little Duke Henri spoke eagerly, and said the Chinese ate rats.
"But not raw," cried the young Des Illes, which set them all to laughing.
Soon again they were quiet, because talk in the dark does not prosper. A little later madame called softly to the thief to sit by her, and would hear of his life. François related his exploits with pride. She made no comment, but said at last: "Your name, my friend?" And when he replied, "François," she declared that he was no more to be any one's thief, but always François; and this was a hint to the duke, who took it in silence, and was evidently depressed.
After this, madame bade the boys say their prayers; and soon all were asleep, except François, who sat against a cask, and saw Toto's brown eyes in the darkness.