Soon he heard a dull, rumbling noise, which alarmed him at first, because he could not think to what cause to attribute it; but as he went forward he recognized it as the roar of the river flowing above his head. The water had forced its way through the arch in divers places at one time or another, but the crevices had evidently been detected in time and filled with a sort of cement, which became harder in course of time than the stones it bound together. For about ten minutes Canolles heard the water rolling over his head; then the noise gradually died away until it was hardly more than a murmur. At last even the murmuring ceased, to be succeeded by perfect silence; and after walking a hundred feet or more in the silence, Canolles reached a staircase similar to the one by which he had descended, and closed at the top by a massive door which the united strength of ten men could not have moved, and which was rendered fire-proof by a thick iron plate. "Now I understand," said Canolles; "she will await Nanon at this door and help her to escape." He retraced his steps beneath the river-bed, ascended the staircase, re-entered his room, replaced the gold band, and betook himself deep in thought to Nanon's apartments. IX. Nanon was, as usual, surrounded by maps, letters, and books. In her own way the poor woman was carrying on the war in the king's interest. As soon as she saw Canolles, she gave him her hand joyfully. "The king is coming," said she, "and in a week we shall be out of danger." "He is always coming," returned Canolles, with a sad smile; "unfortunately, he never arrives." "Ah! but this time my information is reliable, my dear baron, and he will surely be here within the week." "Let him make what haste he may, Nanon, he will arrive too late for us." "What do you say?" "I say that instead of wearing yourself out over these maps and papers, you would do better to be thinking of means of escape." "Of escape? Why so?" "Because I have bad news, Nanon. A new expedition is preparing, and this time I may be forced to yield." "Very well, my dear; didn't we agree that I should share your fate and your fortune, whatever they may be?" "No that cannot be; I shall be too weak, if I have to fear for you. Did they not propose at Agen to burn you at the stake? Did they not try to throw you into the river? Nanon, in pity for me, do not insist upon remaining, for your presence would surely make me do some cowardly thing." "_Mon Dieu,_ Canolles, you frighten me." "Nanon, I implore you to give me your word that you will do what I bid you, if we are attacked." "Why should I make such a promise?" "To give me the strength to do my duty. Nanon, if you do not promise to obey me blindly, I swear that I will take the first opportunity to seek my own death." "Whatever you wish, Canolles; I swear it by our love!" "Thank God! Dear Nanon, my mind is much more at ease now. Get together your most valuable jewels. Where is your money?"