"Where the devil is, is no need of locks," he muttered, and he felt above the door, then, stooping, groped under it.

In the latter place he found the key, thrust out of sight between door and floor, where doubtless it was Basterga's custom to hide it.

He drew it out, and with a grim face set it in the lock.
"Quick!" muttered a voice in his ear, and turning he saw that the Syndic was trembling with eagerness.

"Quick, quick! Or he may return!" Claude smiled.

If he did not fear the devil he certainly did not fear Basterga.