Volume I Part 17 (2/2)
CHAPTER XVI
THE ESCAPE
”Well,” said Ansels stand?”
Benedetto did not answer at first, but seated himself on a block of wood and looked steadfastly before hirowing impatient
”No, the million is safe for us,” replied Benedetto
”So much the better This mistral is very favorable to us It helps our escape”
”Really? Anselmo, we must be free in two hours”
”I shall look out for that--but ill happen then? Have you a plan?”
”Yes Do you know the village of Beaussuet?”
”Yes It is near the gorge of Oliolles”
”Right We er of being caught and brought back, if we escape by daylight”
”What are you talking about? There is no daylight to-day One can hardly see one's hand now, and in two hours it will be night”
”But suppose we should be locked up in the pontoons?”
”That is what I desire We must flee by way of the pontoons”
”And our chains?”
”Have you forgotten our little Rat King?”
”You are talking nonsense again”
”Listen, Benedetto When a million is involved, I never joke The saw our necessary carries will cut our chains in ten minutes And noork Here corasped one of the heavy logs and pretended to be working hard peeling off the rind As Anselhtly predicted, one could not see one's own hand, and no one observed Ansellide toward the pontoon, which was eround,” Anselmo ordered, ”and feel about with your hands”
Benedetto did as he was told Suddenly he uttered a low cry as his hand came in contact with a dark object, which flitted about
”What a noise you ru fronawed it through?” whispered Benedetto, gleefully