"But surely," said the young man, "you must feel that you are bound to
assist me after all you told me a day or two back. You mentioned two
means by which I could regain my freedom, and hinted that there was a
third one. I have come to you to-day to ask you what it was."

Never did any man more successfully assume an air of astonishment than
did Daumon at this moment.

"What," said he, "do you absolutely remember those idle words I made use
of then?"

"I do most decidedly."

The villain's heart of Daumon was filled with delight, but he replied,--

"Oh, Marquis! you must remember that we say many things that really have
no special meaning, for between act and intention there is a tremendous
difference. I often speak too freely, and that has more than once got me
into trouble."

Norbert was no fool, in spite of his want of education, and the hot
blood of his ancestors coursed freely through his veins. He now struck
the butt-end of his gun heavily upon the floor.

"You treated me like a simpleton, then, it appears?" remarked he
angrily.

"My dear Marquis--"

"And imagined that you could trifle with me. You managed to learn my