M. Longuet raised his arms to the limit toward the vaults of the catacombs. CHAPTER XXXI _Lost in the Catacombs_ |WHEN M. Longuet had recovered from the emotion that M. Mifroid’s explanation of the train had caused him, he went through his pockets and handed over to M. Mifroid a revolver and a large knife that he had found in Signor Petito’s pocket. He was now perfectly rational and felt free from the influences of Cartouche. He, however, dreaded the return of these fancies, and asked M. Mifroid to accept these articles in order to defend himself should he again be possessed with this evil spirit. Continuing the search through his pockets, he produced seven lamps like those of M. Mifroid, and so between them they had thirteen of these lights, which would give them 520 hours of continuous light. They, however, worked out that they could do ten hours a day without light on account of sleep, and their calculations gave them fourteen hours of light per day. “M. Longuet,” said M. Mifroid, “you are wonderful. Cartouche himself could not have done better; but what is the good of carrying them around with us? They will only be a nuisance. Are you hungry, M. Longuet? How long do you think you could remain without food?” “I am sure,” he declared, “that I could remain this way forty-eight hours.” “Well, you will have to remain like this for seven days, perhaps. I will throw these ten lamps away, as after the third one I am afraid we shall not have much need of the rest.” “Where are you going?” asked M. Longuet. “No matter where,” answered his companion; “but we must go anywhere rather than stay here, for there is not a ray of hope here. We will reflect while walking. Walking is our only salvation, but by walking seven days we will risk all chance of arriving anywhere, unless we make a plan.” “Why not make an exact plan?” asked M. Longuet. “Because I have observed in all the stories of the catacombs there were always marked plans which the unfortunate wanderers have lost. They were confused by the marked places, and not understanding anything about it, they became overwhelmed with despair. In our situation it is necessary to shun all causes for despair. You are not without hope, M. Longuet?” “Oh, by no means, M. Mifroid. I will add, even, that were I not so hungry, your pleasant society aiding, I should not at all regret the roofs of the Rue Gerondo. You must tell me some stories of the catacombs, M. Mifroid, to let me forget my hunger.” “Why, certainly, my friend. There is the story of the ‘Jailer,’ and the story of the ‘Four Soldiers.’” “With which will you begin?” “I am first going to tell you of the catacombs in general; this will make you understand why it is necessary to walk a long time to get out of them.” Here M. Longuet interrupted him, asking why in ending his sentences he always made a gesture with the thumb of his right hand.