the danger of my father. By acting prudently, we two may
succeed in our enterprise; without much risk--eh, father?" added he,
with a significant glance at Dagobert. "Once more, be comforted, dear
mother. I will answer for everything. We will deliver Marshal Simon's
daughters, and Mdlle. de Cardoville too. Sister, give me the hammer and
pincers, there in the press."

The sempstress, drying her tears, did as desired, while Agricola, by the
help of bellows, revived the fire in which the tongs were heating.

"Here are your tools, Agricola," said the hunchback, in a
deeply-agitated voice, as she presented them with trembling hands to
the smith, who, with the aid of the pincers, soon drew from the fire
the white-hot tongs, and, with vigorous blows of the hammer, formed them
into a hook, taking the stove for his anvil.

Dagobert had remained silent and pensive. Suddenly he said to Frances,
taking her by the hand: "You know what metal your son is. To prevent his
following me would now be impossible. But do not be afraid, dear wife;
we shall succeed--at least, I hope so. And if we should not succeed--if
Agricola and me should be arrested--well! we are not cowards; we shall
not commit suicide; but father and son will go arm in arm to prison,
with heads high and proud, look like two brave men who have done their
duty. The day of trial must come, and we will explain all, honestly,
openly--we will say, that, driven to the last extremity, finding no
support, no protection in the law, we were forced to have recourse to
violence. So hammer away, my boy!" added Dagobert, addressing his son,
pounding the hot iron; "forge, forge, without fear. Honest judges will
absolve honest men."

"Yes, father, you are right, be at ease dear mother! The judges will see
the difference between rascals who scale walls in order to rob, and
an old soldier and his son who, at peril of their liberty, their life,
their honor, have sought only to deliver unhappy victims."

"And if this language should not be heard," resumed Dagobert, "so much
the worse for them! It will not be your son, or husband, who will be
dishonored in the eyes of honest people. If they send us to the galleys,
and we have courage to survive--the young and the old convict will wear
their chains proudly--and the renegade marquis, the traitor priest,
will bear more shame than we. So, forge without fear, my boy! There are
things which the galleys themselves cannot disgrace--our good consc