"Be assured, if I wish it, they shall not speak to you except on all fours. But, now I think of it, you know how to write; put down on paper what I have just related to you, and send it to M. Rudolph; he will know that he need have no more uneasiness about you, and that I am here for a good motive; for if he should learn elsewhere that the Slasher had stolen, and he did not know the game--thunder! that would not suit me." "Rest satisfied: this very night I will write to my unknown protector; to-morrow you will give me his address, and the letter shall be sent. Adieu, once more, thank you, my good fellow." "Adieu, M. Germain; I go to return among this band of rascals, of whom I am provost; they will have to march pretty straight, or stand from under!" "When I think that on my account you go to live for some time among these wretches--" "What is that to me, now that there is no risk of their contaminating me. M. Rudolph has washed me too well. I am insured against fire." And the Slasher followed the keeper. Germain entered the apartment of the governor. What was his surprise--he found Rigolette there. Rigolette, pale, with deep emotion, her eyes bathed in tears, and yet smiling through these tears, her face expressed a sentiment of joy, of happiness indescribable. "I have good news to tell you, sir," said the governor. "The judges have just declared that no action lies against you, and I have the order to set you immediately at liberty." "What do you say, sir? Can it be possible?" Rigolette wished to speak; her too lively emotion prevented her; she could only make to Germain an affirmative sign with her head. "This young lady arrived here a few moments after I had received the order to set you at liberty," added the governor. "A letter of all-powerful recommendation which she brought me has informed me of the touching devotion she has shown you during your stay in prison, sir. It is, then, with great pleasure that I have sent for you, certain that you would be very happy to give your arm to the lady on leaving the place." "A dream! surely it is a dream!" said Germain. "Oh, sir, what kindness! Pardon me if surprise--joy--prevents me from thanking you as I ought." "And I, too, M. Germain, cannot find a word to say," added Rigolette. "Judge of my happiness: on leaving you, I found the friend of M. Rudolph waiting for me." "M. Rudolph again!" said the astonished Germain. "Yes; now I can tell you all. M. Murphy said to me then, 'Germain is free; here is a letter for the governor of the prison; before you arrive, he will have received the order to set Germain at liberty, and you can bring him away.' I could not believe what I heard, and yet it was true. Quick--quick--I took a cab--I arrived--and it is now below waiting for us."