A noise, at first faint and then louder, which resembled that of the spider in its web, suddenly interrupted the conversation. It seemed to come from the interior of one of the panels.
"Here it is," said Monte-Leone, pointing at one of the book-cases.
"Yes," said Von Apsberg, with a sign of admiration.
"Can we have been overheard?" said d'Harcourt.
"I think so," said the false Matheus.
The Visconte and Taddeo at once took pistols from their pockets and cocked them.
"It is of no use," said the physician, pointing to the arms of his friends. "Put on your disguises, for it is unnecessary even that the brothers should know you. Kant has said, When there is a secret to be kept it is desirable that all who are intrusted with it should be deaf, blind, and dumb. Let us then tempt no one, and remember there is no one here but a doctor and two patients."
"But the Count," said d'Harcourt, "is he forgotten?"
"Ah," said the doctor, "he must be seen."
The noise increased, and something of impatience was remarkable in the little taps on the wood-work.