Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/235

Rh have just been subjected. There is no need of either imprisonment or torture to force me to reveal your son's whereabouts. He is safe. It was no part of my design to do him any harm, or to injure you in any way. He is now spending the night in peace and security, and I am prepared to tell you where, on condition that you will be good enough to grant us our liberty."

The merciless old barbarian, so far from being moved by my appeal, turned his back upon me with a laugh, and merely muttered a few words to the effect that he was fully informed as to what our plans were, from beginning to end. As for his son, he brutally added, he would find his own way out of his predicament soon enough, as I had not assassinated him.

"Take them to the petit Châtelet," he said, turning to the Archers, "and keep a sharp eye on the Chevalier, or he will contrive to slip away from you; for he is a cunning rogue, and has made his escape from Saint-Lazare before now."

He then took his departure, leaving me in a condition of mind that may be more easily imagined than described.

"O Heaven!" I cried, "I will submit resignedly to all the afflictions that you in your wisdom may visit upon