o kill Gudel was ruin, for he was the only human being who could prove
Fanfar's birth. But he was too late, the zealous Commissioner had cut
the rope.

"Fool!" shouted Cyprien, and then he listened to hear the dull thud of
the body falling on the stones below.

But he heard nothing, for Gudel had not fallen. By a movement more rapid
than thought, Fanfar, divining what was to happen, had thrown himself
flat on the roof with his arms extended beyond the gutter, and had
shouted to Gudel:

"Hold fast to the rope!"

Iron Jaws snatched the rope between his formidable jaws, and when the
rope was cut he simply hung and waited. Fanfar slowly drew him up. It
was a magnificent display of energy and strength. And presently Fanfar
and Gudel stood side by side.

"Now, gentlemen, it is your turn," said Fanfar.

"No! it is my turn!" shouted Cyprien, taking a pistol from his pocket
and firing.

The ball broke a slate which fell into the street. As to Gudel and
Fanfar, they were far away and a high chimney hid them from view.

CHAPTER XXVII.

A GHOST.

Although our two friends had made their escape for the time being, they
were by no means in an enviable position, for it must be confessed that
midnight on the roof of an unknown house is not very delightful. Iron
Jaws and Fanfar had accomplished a miracle of strength and audacity, but
what were they to do next?

"I must say that I should like a few hours of rest," said Gudel.

"Yes, and we must have a little talk, but where I know not."

Fanfar's tone struck his friend as being rather depressed.

"What is it?" said Gudel. "You have had encounters with the police
before, and will have again, I imagine."

"It is not that; but first we will walk over these roofs, to the end."

"Very good!"

They started, Fanfar going a little in front. Suddenly he stopped.

"Zounds!" he said, "here is a wide courtyard; it is impossible for us to
cross it. We must get down now."

"And how, for Heaven's sake!"

"By taking hold of the gutters and the balconies."

"One would suppose that we were gorillas," sighed Gudel.

"We must do something!"

"Yes, but I am a little heavy, as you have reason to acknowledge. How
can we tell that guards are not below waiting for us. Let us see if we
can't get into some window."

"And find the room inhabited?"

"Oh! I will explain that we don't mean to steal, but that we will give
him money if he will aid us."

"Very good. Now do you ta