hout
trouble, except that on leaving they have to be accompanied by
the guard at the door, so as to be sure that no one is passing out
in disguise. She says her brother is good-natured but very fond
of money. He is always talking of retiring and settling down in a
farm in Brittany, where he comes from, and she thinks that if he
thought he could gain enough to do this he would be ready to run
some risk, for he hates the terrible things that are being done
now."

"He seems just the man for us," Harry said. "Will you tell your
friend, when you see her in the morning, that I will give her twenty
louis and her brother a hundred if he can succeed in getting Marie
out?"

"I will tell them, sir. That offer will set his wits to work, I
have no doubt."

Harry then gave her the note Jeanne had written, for the woman
to hand to her brother for delivery if he proved willing to enter
into their plan. Harry had a quiet night of watching, for Victor
lay so still that his friend several times leant over him to see
if he breathed. The doctor had looked in late and said that the
crisis was at hand.

"To-morrow your friend will either sink or he will turn the corner.
He is asleep now and will probably sleep for many hours. He may
never wake again; he may wake, recognize you for a few minutes,
and then go off in a last stupor; he may wake stronger and with a
chance of life. Here is a draught that you will give him as soon
as he opens his eyes; pour besides three or four spoonfuls of soup
down his throat, and if he keeps awake do the same every half hour."

It was not until ten o'clock in the morning that Victor opened his
eyes. He looked vaguely round the room and there was no recognition
in his eyes as they fell upon Harry's face, but they had lost the
wild expression they had worn while he had lain there, and Harry
felt renewed hope as he lifted his head and poured the draught
between his lips. Then he gave him a few spoonfuls of soup and had
the satisfaction of seeing his eyes close again and his breathing
become more and more regular.

The doctor, when he came in and felt Victor's pulse, nodded approval.

"The fever has quite left him," he said; "I think he will do now.
It will be slow, very slow, but I think he will regain his strength;
as to his mind, of that I can say nothing at present."

About mid-day Elise returned.

"I have good news, monsieur," she said at once. "I waited outside
the prison till Martha came out. He