the
liberty I have just seen."

"Monsieur, I also have my privileges, which do not extend to giving you
books, razors, or pens, but which allow me to invite to my table such
prisoners as I choose to favor--always supposing that it is a favor.
True, it is stipulated that I shall give an account of anything which is
spoken against the government, but by preventing my guests from touching
on politics, I avoid the necessity of betraying them."

"Is it not feared, monsieur," said Gaston, "that this intimacy between
you and your prisoners should lead to indulgences on your part, which
might be contrary to the intentions of the government?"

"I know my duty, monsieur, and keep within its strict limits; I receive
my orders from the court, and my guests--who know that I have nothing to
do with them--bear me no ill will for them. I hope you will do the
same."

"The precaution was not unnecessary," said Gaston, "for doubtless I
shall not long be left in the enjoyment of the pleasure I have had
to-day."

"You have doubtless some protector at court?"

"None," said Gaston.

"Then you must trust to chance, monsieur."

"I have never found it propitious."

"The more reason that it should weary of persecuting you."

"I am a Breton, and Bretons trust only in God."

"Take that as my meaning when I said chance."

Gaston retired, charmed with the manners and attentions of M. de Launay.

CHAPTER XXVII.

HOW THE NIGHT PASSED IN THE BASTILLE WHILE WAITING FOR THE DAY.

Gaston had already, on the preceding night, asked for a light, and been
told that it was against the rules--this night he did not renew the
request, but went quietly to bed; his morning's visit to the
torture-room had given him a lesson in philosophy.

Thus, rather from youthful carelessness than from force of will or
courage, he slept quietly and soundly.

He did not know how long he had slept when he was awoke by the sound of
a small bell, which seemed to be in his room, although he could see
neither bell nor ringer; it is true that the room was very dark, even by
day, and doubly so at that hour. The bell, however, continued to sound
distinctly, but with caution, as though it were afraid of being heard.
Gaston thought the sound seemed to come from the chimney.

He rose, and approaching it gently, became convinced that he was right.

Presently he heard blows struck--under the floor on which he stepped--at
regular intervals, with some blunt instrum