The two listeners dared scarcely to breathe.

The danger was so near, it was so certain that if the men came three paces farther, they would observe and search the haycart, that Tignonville fancied the steel already at his throat.

He felt the hay rustle under his slightest movement, and gripped one hand with the other to restrain the tremor of overpowering excitement.

Yet when he glanced at the minister he found him unmoved, a smile on his face.

And M.de Tignonville could have cursed him for his folly.
For the men were coming on! An instant, and they perceived the cart, and the ruffian who had advised this route pounced on it in triumph.
"There! Did I not say so ?" he cried.