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222 "Quick, my lord," called Pierre; and running down they found him bending over the unconscious form of the sentry. "There was no other way," he said. "He would have fired his musket and roused every guard in the Castle had he caught sight of you."

"'Twas cleverly done," said Dubois. "Make sure of him;" and he picked up the soldier's musket, glad to get a weapon so easily.

"Not cleverly; treacherously, monsieur," replied Pierre regretfully; "but there was nothing else for it;" and he opened the iron door for them to pass.

"You will have to leave with us now, Pierre," said Gerard.

"Pray Heaven we are as lucky at the next gate," he answered, and again went on ahead.

Fortune was with them at the next gate. The sentry was asleep, and Pierre opened the gate and let them through.

"Naught but luck put the sot Crateau on guard to-night of all nights," he said. "If the Governor hears of it his head will ache no more with liquor. There is but one more gate, my lord, and there we may have trouble; but once passed, a few steps only remain till we reach the courtyard."

They continued the descent as rapidly as practicable until Pierre stopped them.

"I think you had better come on with me, monsieur," he said to Dubois; "and leave my lord and mademoiselle to follow when we have seen the way is clear."

The two went down together, and Gerard felt in the darkness for Gabrielle's hand.

"You are not frightened, Gabrielle?" he whispered.

"I am with you," she answered, pressing to his side.

"You are trembling, sweetheart."

"It is for you, dearest. If we were but free of this dreadful place!"