"Your duty is to think of your children," replied Dionysia.

"I know sixteen thousand francs is a big sum. Perhaps you will be sorry
to give us so much money."

"I am not sorry at all: I would even add to it willingly." And she
showed them one of the other four rolls in her bag.

"Then, to be sure, what do I care for my place!" cried Blangin. And,
intoxicated by the sight and the touch of the gold, he added,--

"You are at home here, madam; and the jail and the jailer are at your
disposal. What do you desire? Just speak. I have nine prisoners, not
counting M. de Boiscoran and Trumence. Do you want me to set them all
free?"

"Blangin!" said his wife reprovingly.

"What? Am I not free to let the prisoners go?"

"Before you play the master, wait, at least, till you have rendered our
young lady the service which she expects from you."

"Certainly."

"Then go and conceal this money," said the prudent woman; "or it might
betray us."

And, drawing from her cupboard a woollen stocking, she handed it to