e neighbourhood. Heaven forbid that
they are here on your account and try to release you; for that would
mean your immediate death, as you know... Is the trapdoor still in
working order, Sebastiani?"

Sebastiani came nearer, knelt on one knee and lifted and turned a
ring, at the foot of the bed, which Lupin had not noticed. One of the
flagstones moved on a pivot, disclosing a black hole.

"You see," the marquis continued, "everything is provided for; and I
have all that I want at hand, including dungeons: bottomless dungeons,
says the legend of the castle. So there is nothing to hope for, no help
of any kind. Will you speak?"

Daubrecq did not reply; and he went on:

"This is the fourth time that I am questioning you, Daubrecq. It is the
fourth time that I have troubled to ask you for the document which you
possess, in order that I may escape your blackmailing proceedings. It is
the fourth time and the last. Will you speak?"

The same silence as before. D'Albufex made a sign to Sebastiani. The
huntsman stepped forward, followed by two of his sons. One of them held
a stick in his hand.

"Go ahead," said d'Albufex, after waiting a few seconds.

Sebastiani slackened the thongs that bound Daubrecq's wrists and
inserted and fixed the stick between the thongs.

"Shall I turn, monsieur le marquis?"

A further silence. The marquis waited. Seeing that Daubrecq did not
flinch, he whispered:

"Can't you speak? Why expose yourself to physical suffering?"

No reply.

"Turn away, Sebastiani."

Sebastiani made the stick turn a complete circle. The thongs stretched
and tightened. Daubrecq gave a groan.

"You won't speak? Still, you know that I won't give way, that I can't
give way, that I hold you and that, if necessary, I shall torture you
till you die of it. You won't speak? You won't?... Sebastiani, once
more."

The huntsman obeyed. Daubrecq gave a violent start of pain and fell back
on his bed with a rattle in his throat.

"You fool!" cried the marquis, shaking with rage. "Why don't you speak?
What, haven't you had enough of that list? Surely it's somebody else's
turn! Come, speak... Where is it? One word. One word only... and we will
leave you in peace... And, to-morrow, when I have the list, you shall be
free. Free, do you understand? But, in Heaven's name, speak!... Oh, the
brute! Sebastiani, one more turn."

Sebastiani made a fresh effort. The bones cracked.

"Help! Help!" cried Daubrecq, in a hoarse voi