“‘What have you there?’ asked Gaudin, who was anxious to prolong the interview till the guard could arrive.
“‘A venom more deadly than any we have yet known—that will kill like lightning, and leave no trace of its presence to the most subtle tests.’
“‘You will give me the secret?’ asked Gaudin.
“‘As soon as it is finished, and the time is coming on apace. You have arrived opportunely to assist me.’
“He took a mask with glass eyes, and tied it round his face.
“‘If you would see the preparation completed, you must wear one as well.’
“Exili took another visor, and, under pretence of rearranging the string, he broke it from the mask; and then, fixing it back with some resinous compound that would be melted by the heat of the furnace, he cautiously fixed it to Sainte-Croix’s face.
“‘I will mind the furnace whilst you go,’ said Gaudin, in reply to the alchemist, who said he must fetch some drugs required for further operations.
“At that moment Sainte-Croix heard an adjacent bell sound the hour at which he had appointed the guard to arrive.