The prisoners did likewise, and were then marched back to their cells.

One after the other they passed Amelie.

The hands of the lovers touched each other; those of Amelie were as cold as death.
"Whatever happens, thank you," said Charles, as he passed.
Amelie tried to answer, but the words died on her lips.
During this time the judge had risen and passed into the council-chamber.

There he found a veiled woman, who had just descended from a carriage at the door of the courthouse, and had not spoken to any one on her way in.
"Madame," said the judge, "I offer you many excuses for the way in which I have brought you from Paris; but the life of a man depends upon it, and before that consideration everything must yield." "You have no need to excuse yourself, sir," replied the veiled lady, "I know the prerogatives of the law, and I am here at your orders." "Madame," said the judge, "the court and myself recognize the feeling of delicacy which prompted you, when first confronted with the prisoners, to decline to recognize the one who assisted you when fainting.

At that time the prisoners denied their identity with the pillagers of the diligences.