The soldiers formed up and I was marched across the courtyard, where several prisoners who were not confined to their cells assembled to watch me pass. I gazed at them eagerly, but they were all strangers who only regarded me as a prisoner in a far worse plight than themselves. "Courage, monsieur," whispered the gaoler, as the soldiers turned back from my cell, "we all have our misfortunes." He spoke in a kindly manner and I looked at him gratefully, for a prisoner has but few friends. Then the door clanged, the bolts were pushed home, and I was left alone to reflect on the councillor's last words. I had heard too much not to understand what he meant by finding a way to loose my tongue, and I instantly began to conjure up all kinds of horrible pictures. However, it was useless going to meet trouble, so I endeavoured to banish the subject from my mind, and to think of my friends, Raoul, Marie, and the Englishman, who were doubtless wondering what had become of me. CHAPTER XVII. Free! On the third night after my visit to the Council Chamber I was awakened from a sound sleep by some one shaking my arm. Looking up and rubbing my eyes, I beheld the gaoler with a lantern in his hand bending over me. "Rise, monsieur, and dress quickly," said he. "Who wants me at this time of night?" I asked. "I do not know, monsieur. I have my orders, and the soldiers are waiting at the foot of the stairs. But courage, monsieur!" The tone in which the man spoke made me shiver. It was plain that he expected the worst, and I immediately remembered the councillor's threats. My heart beat quickly at the thought of the dreaded torture chamber, and my fingers trembled as I fastened my clothes. "Am I to be put on the rack?" I asked, but the gaoler, shaking his held slowly, replied that he knew nothing. "An officer of police brought an order signed by the Governor, but he would answer no questions. If it should be so, confess everything, monsieur. You are very young, and the rack--ah!" "Thanks, my friend, though I am sorry your advice will not help me. I have already told the truth, and they would not believe it." "Say what they wish, monsieur! Anything to escape the torture! I have been in the chamber once, and it was horrible for a strong man even to look on. And they are sure to get what they want in the end." "At all events I will bear up as long as I can!" "It is useless, monsieur, useless, I assure you," said he, as I finished dressing. We left the room, and, descending the stairway, found the soldiers drawn up at the bottom. "Albert de Lalande!" exclaimed their officer, and the next minute I was walking in the midst of my escort to the court, where a carriage stood in waiting. "Enter, monsieur," said the officer, who himself followed, while the troopers mounted their horses.