Never!
[A horseman is heard approaching. He calls out:
PHŒBUS (appearing on horseback. He is pale, breathless, exhausted as is a man who has made a long journey).
Wait!
ESMERALDA.
Phœbus!
CLAUDE FROLLO (aside, terrified).
My plot has failed.
PHŒBUS (leaping from his horse).
God be praised! I breathe
And I arrive in time!
This girl is innocent.
Behold my assassin!