"We've talked too much." "This way," replied the young captain, lifting the only candlestick from the table.

"Leave two men to watch the woman and give the alarm, the rest follow me." Marteau knew the old castle like a book.

He knew where the keys were kept.

Chatting carelessly and giving them every evidence of his familiarity, he found the keys, unlocked the doors, led them from room to room, from level to level, until finally they reached the wine cellar.

It was separated from the cellar in which they stood by a heavy iron-bound oaken door.