s well provided with funds, for he had
brought to Paris all the money which the steward of the estates
had collected, they should recruit a band among the ruffians of the
city, and make a sudden attack upon the prison. But Harry pointed
out that a numerous band would be required for such an enterprise,
and that among so many men one would be sure to turn traitor before
the time came.

"I am ready to run all risks, Victor, but I see no chance of success
in it. The very first man we spoke to might denounce us, and if
we were seized there would be no one to look after the safety of
Mademoiselle de St. Caux and her sisters. My first duty is towards
them. I gave my promise to their father, and although it is not
probable that I can be of any use to them, I will at any rate, if
possible, be at hand should occasion arise."

On the evening of the 30th they returned to Paris, and took two
fresh apartments at a distance from their former quarters.

They were greatly anxious as to the safety of the girls, and Harry
at once hastened there, but found that all was well. The deputies,
learning from the landlord that only an old woman and her nieces
inhabited the upper story, and having a heavy task before them,
had only paid a short visit to the room, and had left after asking
Louise one or two questions.

The girls, however, were in a state of terrible anxiety as to
their parents, although Louise had avoided repeating to them the
sinister rumours which came to her ears when she was abroad doing
her marketing, for she now went out alone, thinking it better that
the girls should appear as little as possible in the streets.

"It is terrible," Marie said. "I think night and day of our father
and mother. Can nothing be done? Surely we might devise some means
for their escape."

"I can think of nothing," Harry said. "The prison is too strong to
be taken without a considerable force, and it would be impossible
to get that together."

"Could we not bribe these wretches?"

"I have thought over that too," Harry replied; "but, you see, it
would be necessary to get several men to work together. One might,
perhaps, bribe the man who has charge of the cell, but there would
be other warders, and the guard at the gate, and the latter are
changed every day. I do not see how that could possibly be done."

"Would it be any use, do you think, were I to go to Danton or
Robespierre and plead with them for their lives? I would do that
willing