ciergerie, where I had learned you were confined previous to going to
the guillotine.

"When I arrived I was informed, to my terror and dismay that the cart
laden with the condemned had already started for the Place de la
Revolution and that Dolores and yourself were among the victims. I
procured a carriage and with my companions drove at headlong speed to
the very steps of the guillotine. The rest you know. Now, Robespierre is
treacherous and forgetful of services when his end has been attained. He
may revoke his warrant and order your re-arrest at any moment. Hence I
say that time is precious and that it will not do for you to remain long
either here or elsewhere in Paris. You must seek safety as soon as
possible in the little cottage in the Chevreuse valley, where the
Dictator and his myrmidoms will not think of searching for you. This is
imperative!"

Coursegol grasped his friend's hand.

"You are a man, Bridoul!" said he. "You have saved our lives and won our
undying gratitude! We will follow your advice to the letter! But you
must do something more. Antoinette de Mirandol and Philip de Chamondrin
are still in the Conciergerie. They have an order for their release, but
cannot use it without your help. You must aid them to escape and join us
in the Chevreuse valley!"

"I will do it!" said Bridoul, solemnly. "I swear it!"

"Enough," replied Coursegol. "Dolores and myself will leave for the
refuge this very night!"

Madame Bridoul was summoned and acquainted with the decision that had
been reached. She reported that Dolores had recovered consciousness and
strength and would be ready for the departure when required.

"One thing more," said Coursegol to Bridoul and his wife. "Neither
Philip nor Antoinette must know that we have escaped the guillotine
until they find us alive and well in the Chevreuse valley!"

This was agreed to, and, at nightfall, Coursegol and Dolores, provided
with the requisite passports, quitted Paris. In due time they reached
the little cottage in the Chevreuse valley in safety.

About a fortnight after the supposed execution of Dolores and Coursegol,
Philip and Antoinette, with the aid of Bridoul and the order of release
wrested from Vauquelas, succeeded in obtaining their freedom. No sooner
were they out of the Conciergerie than they hastened to the refuge
provided for them in the Chevreuse valley. What pen can describe their
joy and gratitude to God when, on their arrival, they found