"Four."
"Put them down on the floor."
They did as he required.
"That is well. I remain here, and they will find some one to entertain them. Now, get away as fast as you can."
In moments of imminent peril gratitude finds but brief expression. Hardly had they time to press his hand.
"We shall soon meet again," said the Marquis.
"I hope not, Monseigneur,—not quite at once, for I am about to die."
One by one they made their way down the narrow staircase, the wounded in advance; and as they went, the Marquis drew a pencil from his note-book and wrote a few words on the stone that, refusing to turn, had thus left an open passage-way.
"Come, Monseigneur, you are the only one left," said Halmalo, as he went down.
The Marquis followed him, and Imânus remained alone.