And, overcoming his father's reluctance, he fastened one end of the
sheets around his waist.

"I am going to let you down, father," said he; "and, as soon as you
touch the ground, you must undo the knot. Take care of the
first-story windows; beware of the concierge; and, once in the street,
don't walk too fast. Make for the Boulevard, where you will be sooner
lost in the crowd."

The knocks had now become violent blows; and it was evident that the
door would soon be broken in, if M. Desormeaux did not make up his
mind to open it.

The light was put out. With the assistance of his daughter, M.
Favoral lifted himself upon the window-sill, whilst Maxence held
the sheets with both hands.

"I beseech you, Vincent," repeated Mme. Favoral, "write to us. We
shall be in mortal anxiety until we hear of your safety."

Maxence let the sheets slip slowly: in two seconds M. Favoral stood
on the pavement below.

"All right," he said.

The young man drew the sheets back rapidly, and threw them under
the bed. But Mlle. Gilberte remained long enough at the window to
recognize her father's voice asking the concierge to open the door,
and to hear the heavy gate of the adjoining house closing behind
him.