Look at that man opposite; he has been here fifteen years; he seldom speaks; he does his work, but it is as a brute beast--despair has well nigh turned him into one.

Think you that if such a man as that were to know that there is hope, he would not be so changed that even the dullest would observe it?
I see you are a brisk young fellow, and I say to you, keep up your courage.

The time is nearer than you think when you will be free from these accursed shackles." Each morning, as he went out to work with his gang, Gervaise saw the servant from the auberge standing near; but he made no sign.

He was satisfied that his suspicions had been justified, and that he was not leading this life in vain, but he thought it better to wait until the week passed, and he was taken away to have his colour renewed, than to make a sign that might possibly rouse the suspicions of his comrades.

On the eighth morning, when the door of the room was unlocked, the overseer said--"Number 36, you will remain here.