"Monsieur de Blenau!" said he, in a tone that he had never before presumed to use towards his wealthy prisoner, "here is something wrong. There has been a woman in the prison to-night, passing for that rascal Woodman's daughter: and I am given to understand, that she has brought either letter or message to you. But I will ascertain the truth--By Heaven! I will ascertain the truth!" "Have you detained her, then?" exclaimed De Blenau, losing all caution in his fears for Pauline. "Oh, ho! Monsieur le Comte," said the Governor, fixing on him his keen and angry eye; "then you do know that she has been here? But do you know, Sir, that it may cost me my head?" "Very possibly, if you tell any body," replied De Blenau; who by this time had recovered his self-possession, and had, upon reconsideration, drawn from the Governor's speech a different conclusion from that which he had formed at first; feeling sure, that if Pauline had not escaped, his anger would have taken a calmer form. "Listen to me, Sir Governor," continued he firmly, after having determined in his own mind the line of conduct which he ought to pursue: "let us deal straightforwardly towards each other, and like friends as we have hitherto done. We are both in some degree in each other's power. On your part, do not attempt to entrap me into any acknowledgment, and I will show you that I will not make use of any advantage you may have given me----" "I do not understand your meaning, Sir," cried the Governor, still angrily: "I have given you no advantage. By Heaven! I will have the apartment searched;--ay, Sir, and your person too."