"You did perfectly right," replied Pauline; "and, having extricated us from a dangerous predicament, merit my sincere thanks. But now," she continued, "without loss of time I must see the Count de Blenau." "See the Count de Blenau!" exclaimed Philip in astonishment. "Impossible, Mademoiselle! utterly impossible! I can deliver a letter or a message; but that is all I can do." "Why not?" demanded Pauline. "For pity's sake, do not trifle with me. If you have free admission to his prison, why cannot you open the way to me?" "Because, Mademoiselle, there is a sentinel at his door who would not allow you to pass," replied Philip. "I have no wish to trifle with you, indeed; but what you ask is merely impossible." Pauline thought for a moment. "Cannot we bribe the sentinel?" she demanded. "Here is gold." "That is not to be done either," answered Philip. "He is not allowed to speak to any one, or any one to speak to him. The first word, his fusil would be at my breast; and the second, he would fire: such are his orders, Mademoiselle, and be sure he would obey them." "Well then," cried Pauline, "fly to the Count de Blenau, tell him that there is a lady here from the Queen, with a letter which she must not trust to any one else, and ask him what is to be done--but do not stay long, for I am afraid of remaining here by myself." The Woodman promised not to be a moment, and hastened to the Count de Blenau's apartment, where the wary sentinel, as usual, examined him well to ascertain his identity before he gave him admission. He then entered and communicated as rapidly as possible to De Blenau the message he had received. "It is Mademoiselle de Hauteford, without doubt," said De Blenau thoughtfully; "I must see her by all means." "See her, Sir!" exclaimed Philip. "The guard will never let her pass. It is quite impossible." "Not so impossible as you think. The gates of the inner court do not shut, I think, till nearly nine--Is there any one in the court?" "No one, Sir," answered the Woodman; "all the State prisoners were locked up at six." "Well then, Philip," proceeded De Blenau, "do you know a small tower in the court, where you just see through the archway part of an old flight of steps?" "Oh yes, I know it well," replied Philip. "The tower is never used now, they tell me. There is a heap of rubbish in the doorway." "Exactly," said the Count. "Now, my good Philip, bring the lady with all speed to that tower, and up the old flight of steps till you come to a small iron door: push that with your hand, and you will find that it brings you into the inner room, where I will wait for you."