Who are you and what are you doing here? Answer!"
There was something in the young man's aspect which convinced
Maurice that it would be folly to trifle. Besides, he gave to
his words an air which distinguishes the man who commands from
the man who serves. Maurice briefly acquainted the young man
with his name and position.
"And you?" he asked.
"I?" The young man laughed again. It was an unpleasant laugh.
"Never mind who I am. Let us go, we are losing time. What is the
date?" suddenly.
"The twentieth of September," answered Maurice.
"My God, a day too late!" The young man had an attack of vertigo,
and was obliged to lean against a tree for support. "Are you
telling me the truth about yourself?"
"I am. I myself was attempting to dispense with the questionable
hospitality of the Red Chateau--good Lord!" striking his
forehead.
"What's the matter?"
"Are you the mysterious prisoner of the chateau, the man they
have been keeping at the end of the east corridor on the third
floor?"
"Yes. And woe to the woman who kept me there! How came you
there?"
Maurice, confident that something extraordinary was taking place,
related in synopsis his adventures.
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