Louis is so anxious to meet you." "Where is he taking me ?" Durtal wondered as again he groped along behind his friend, now and then, just as he felt completely lost, coming to the narrow strip of light admitted by a barbican, and again proceeding in inky darkness.

The climb seemed endless.

Finally they came to the barred door, opened it, and found themselves on a frame balcony with the abyss above and below.

Des Hermies, who seemed perfectly at home, pointed downward, then upward.

They were halfway up a tower the face of which was overlaid with enormous criss-crossing joists and beams riveted together with bolt heads as big as a man's fist.