"But there are in this country of Gaul enough dogs, falcons, horses and slaves for that Charles to have an abundance and I also. Is it not so?" "Yes ... if to reign means simply to have all these things ... but I, poor girl, do not understand these things. I only know that your father had friends who are enemies of Charles Martel, and that they would like to see you out of this convent. That is the secret that I had for you." "And I, Septimine, would also like to be out of here! The devil take the monks and their convent." After a moment's hesitation, the young girl stopped spinning and said to the young prince in a still lower voice and looking around as if fearing to be heard: "It depends upon you to get out of this convent." "Upon me!" cried Childeric. "That would be quickly done on my part. But how?" "Mercy! Do not speak so loud," replied Septimine uneasily and casting her eyes towards the door. "I always fear some one is there listening." She rose and went on tip-toe to listen at the door and peep through the keyhole. Feeling reassured by the examination, Septimine returned to her seat, again started to spin, and went on talking with Childeric: "You can walk in the garden during the day?" "Yes, but the garden is surrounded by a high wall, and I am always accompanied by one of the monks. That is why I prefer to remain in this room to walking in such company." "They lock you up at night--" "And a monk sleeps outside before my door." "Just look out of this window." "What for?" "To see whether the height of the window above the ground would frighten you." Childeric looked out of the window. "It is very high, Septimine; it is really very high." "You little coward! It is only eight or ten feet at most. Suppose a rope with large knots were fastened to that iron bar yonder, would you have the courage to descend by the rope, helping yourself with your feet and hands?" "Oh, I never could do that!" "You would be afraid? Great God, is it possible!" "The attempt looks to me above my strength." "I would not be afraid, and I am only a girl.... Come, have courage, my prince." The boy looked once more out of the window, reflected and proceeded to say: "You are right.... It is not as high as it looked at first. But the rope, Septimine, how am I to get it? And then, when I am down there, at night.... What shall I do then?"