Canolles made no reply; but his eyes gazed fondly at the saving angel, and his hand pressed the hand of the loving woman. "Oh! do not hasten so," said the lieutenant, with a smile; "it is all over, and you are free, so take time to open your wings." But Madame de Cambes, paying no heed to these words of good cheer, continued to drag Canolles through the corridors. Canolles let her have her will, exchanging friendly signs with the lieutenant. They reached the staircase, and descended the stairs as if they were provided with the wings of which the lieutenant had spoken. At last they stood in the court-yard; one more door, and the atmosphere of the prison would cease to oppress their long-suffering hearts. That last door was finally thrown open. But on the other side, the drawbridge was thronged with a troop of gentlemen, archers and guards; they were Monsieur de La Rochefoucauld and his acolytes. Without knowing why, Madame de Cambes shuddered. Some evil thing had befallen her every time that that man had come in her path. As to Canolles, if he experienced any emotion whatever, no trace of it appeared upon his features. The duke saluted Madame de Cambes and Canolles, and even paused to offer his congratulations. Then he made a sign to his followers, and they made way for the lovers to pass. Suddenly a voice was heard at the far end of the court-yard, inside the prison:-- "Number one is empty; the other prisoner is not in his cell; I have searched everywhere and cannot find him!" These words sent a thrill of excitement through all who heard them; the Duc de La Rochefoucauld started, and unable to restrain his first impulse, put out his hand as if to stop Canolles. Claire saw the movement and every vestige of color fled from her cheeks. "Come, come," said she, "let us make haste!" "Pardon me, madame," said the duke, "but I must ask you to be patient for a moment. Give us time, if you please, to clear up this mistake; it will be a matter of a moment only, I promise you." He made another sign to his followers and the passage was closed. Canolles looked at Claire, at the duke, at the point whence the voice came, and he too turned pale. "But why should I wait, monsieur?" demanded Claire. "Madame la Princesse de Condé signed the order for Monsieur de Canolles to be set free; here is the order, and his name is specifically mentioned; look, I beg you." "Certainly, madame, it is as you say, and I do not assume to deny the validity of the order; it will be as effectual a moment hence as now; be patient therefore; I have sent a person to investigate who will very soon return." "But how does that concern us?" Claire persisted. "What connection is there between Monsieur de Canolles and the prisoner in number one?"