Without another word, he took the light which Margot had set down upon the table, and, signing to two of his men to follow him, ascended the staircase. In less than five minutes he came down again, his countenance betraying anger and disappointment. “Well, have you found him?” inquired Benoit, who had not been allowed to exchange a word with his wife during Warthy's absence. “Not yet, but I soon shall,” replied Warthy. “He has only just left his couch. Now, madame,” he continued, in a stern tone, to Margot, “do you desire to see your husband hanged?” “Oh no, monseigneur! I would rather you hanged me than Benoit.” “Nonsense! I don't hang women. Speak! or my men will take your husband forth. Where is Bourbon hidden?” “I can't tell,” she sobbed. “But if he is hidden anywhere, it must be in--in--the vault.” “A plague upon your mischievous tongue!” cried her husband, reproachfully. “Don't blame me, Benoit,” she cried. “I couldn't bear to see you hanged.” “At last we have got the truth,” muttered Warthy. “I knew the woman wouldn't hold out. Show me the Way to the vault, madame.” “I forbid you,” said Benoit, authoritatively. “Take care what you are about, sirrah,” cried Warthy; “you will only make your own position worse. Now, madame!” At this moment the trap-door, which had been elevated a few inches so as to allow the person beneath it to overhear what was going on in the room, suddenly fell with a clap, that attracted the attention of Warthy. Snatching up the light, he flew in the direction of the noise, and instantly detected the trap-door. “Soh! I have found it!” he exclaimed. “Here is the entrance to the vault. Open this trap-door,” he added to his men. The order being promptly obeyed, Madelon was discovered standing on the upper steps of the ladder. “A woman!” exclaimed Warthy, surprised. “And, by my faith, a very pretty one, too! Take care, mademoiselle! My men are coming down into the vault to look for your companions.” “Let me come up first,” she rejoined, placing herself in the mouth of the trap, so as to obstruct the descent of the soldiers. “It will be useless for you to search the vault. You will find no one there.” “I shan't take your word for that, mademoiselle,” rejoined Warthy. “Make way. My men _must_ go down.” Madelon was obliged to obey, and the four soldiers instantly descended. In another minute, Warthy, who was listening anxiously, heard shouts and the noise of a struggle within the vault, and he called to know whether Bourbon had been captured. “Yes, we've caught him,” replied a soldier from below. “Well done, my brave fellows!” cried Warthy. “You shall be handsomely rewarded. Bring him up at once.” “Fear nothing, father,” said Madelon, noticing the miller's consternation. “It is not the Constable.” “Heaven be praised for that!” exclaimed Benoit. A man-at-arms now ascended from the vault. After him came the captive, and then the three other soldiers.