“Why, this is not Bourbon!” cried Warthy, regarding the prisoner.
“I told your men so, captain,” replied Hugues—for it was he—“but they wouldn't believe me.”
“Go down again instantly, and make further search,” roared Warthy. “He is there.”
“There was no one in the vault but this man, whom we took to be Bourbon in disguise,” replied one of the soldiers.
“Has the vault an outlet?” demanded Warthy.
“Oh yes,” returned the soldier, “there is a door at the farther end, but it is locked.”
“Then I have lost my prize,” cried Warthy. “He has escaped. You shall be hanged, rascal, for assisting the traitor,” he added, furiously, to Hugues.
“Give me my life, captain, and I'll tell you where to find him,” rejoined the prisoner.
“If you utter a word, you need think no more of me, Hugues,” said Madelon.
“Heed her not, fellow,” said Warthy. “Better lose your mistress than your life.”