The Chourineur, having crossed a small passage from the governor's apartment, entered the room in which Germain was. "Wait for me here," said the turnkey to the Chourineur. "I will go and ask the governor what he decides upon as to the Skeleton, and I will return and let you know. Our young man has quite recovered, and wishes to thank you, and so he should, for otherwise it would have been all over with him." And the turnkey went out. The Chourineur's countenance was very joyous, and he advanced towards Germain, saying, with a cheerful air: "Thunder! How glad I am! How glad I saved you!" and he extended his hand to Germain, who, by a feeling of involuntary repulsion, withdrew somewhat, instead of taking the hand which the Chourineur offered to him; then, remembering that he owed his life to this man, he was desirous of repairing this display of repugnance. But the Chourineur perceived it; his features became overcast, and, retreating in his turn, he said, with bitter sorrow, "Oh, it is right; your pardon, sir!" "No, it is I who ought to ask your pardon; am I not a prisoner like yourself? Ought I not to think of the service you have rendered me? You have saved my life. Your hand, sir, I beg--I entreat--your hand!" "Thanks; but it is useless now. The first feeling is everything. If you had directly given me a grasp of the hand, it would have afforded me pleasure, but, when I reflect, I would not desire it. Not because I am a prisoner like you," he added, with a sombre and hesitating air, "because, before I came here, I have been--" "The turnkey told me all," said Germain, interrupting him; "but yet you saved my life." "I have done no more than my duty and pleasure, for I know who you are--Monsieur Germain." "You know me!" "A little, my lad," said the Chourineur, resuming his usual tone of habitual carelessness; "and, _pardieu!_ you would have been very wrong to have attributed my arrival at La Force to chance. If I had not known you, I should not have been in prison." Germain looked at the Chourineur with amazement. "What! It was because you knew me?" "That I am here a prisoner in La Force." "I, who owe you--" "A candle to the Virgin, for having procured me the advantage of being in La Force." "Really," said Germain, passing his hand over his brow. "I do not know whether the terrible shock I have just undergone has weakened my senses, but it is impossible for me to understand you. The turnkey told me you were here under a charge of--of--" said Germain, with hesitation. "Robbery, _pardieu_! And robbery with forcible entry, and moreover at night; nothing could be more complete!" cried the Chourineur, with a hearty laugh. Germain, painfully excited at the bold hardihood of the Chourineur, could not forbear saying to him: "What, you, so brave, so generous, and speak in this way! Are you not aware of the terrible punishment to which you are exposed?"