ed him into a deep sleep.--That's right, Saint
Simon." And then in a mocking tone, "I am afraid that the faithful
sentinel will be in trouble when they find him here asleep. I didn't
think to find him here. Now, quick, before we are interrupted again."
And he moved a few steps down the gallery, passing his hand along the
hangings which veiled the panelled wall. "Somewhere here," he muttered;
"somewhere here. I seem to know the place so well."

"Leoni," growled the King, "this night will end in our disgrace, and if
it does--"

"Hist, sir! there is a way out here," whispered Leoni. "You hinder and
confuse me, and at a time like this, when everything points to success,
you--ah, here it is!" For his hand had at last come in contact with the
boss, which he turned quickly, pressed hard, making the concealed door
swing back, and then stooped in the gloom to raise the arras. "Now,
sir; through here--quick!"

"What!" said Francis sharply. "Go through there into what may be a
trap?"

Leoni made no reply, but turned to Saint Simon.

"Through with you," he whispered, with a contemptuous ring in his voice.
"I would lead, but I must come last to close the way, for they must not
know the route we have taken in our flight."

The young officer passed through without a word, and, half ashamed of
his hesitation, Francis followed, to have his hand seized in the
darkness by Saint Simon, who led him for a few yards along the dark
passage, where they stopped listening, to hear Leoni close the door with
a faint, half-smothered click.

Leoni joined them the next moment, "Let me pass now and go first," he
whispered. "The passage is very narrow, and dark as dark. Thanks,
Saint Simon," he continued, as he squeezed by him; and then, as if to
himself, but loud enough for Francis to hear, "and then if there is any
trap or pitfall in the way I shall be the sufferer, and they will hear
me and escape. Ah," he continued to himself, "the way seems easy, and
what did the lad say?--that it led after several turns to some stairs
which descended to the ground floor, and finally to a door which opened
upon a bosky portion of the terrace, and from there led on through
various alleys to the river, a flight of steps, and a boat. Ah, a good
way to escape; but we must have our horses, and trust to them. Well,
once within the grounds--I have not been here all these days for
nothing--and it will go hard if I do not find my way to the stabling,