On emerging from the Bastille, Gringoire descended the Rue Saint-Antoinewith the swiftness of a runaway horse. On arriving at the Baudoyer gate,he walked straight to the stone cross which rose in the middle of thatplace, as though he were able to distinguish in the darkness the figureof a man clad and cloaked in black, who was seated on the steps of thecross.
"Is it you, master?" said Gringoire.
The personage in black rose.
"Death and passion! You make me boil, Gringoire. The man on the tower ofSaint-Gervais has just cried half-past one o'clock in the morning."
"Oh," retorted Gringoire, "'tis no fault of mine, but of the watch andthe king. I have just had a narrow escape. I always just miss beinghung. 'Tis my predestination."
"You lack everything," said the other. "But come quickly. Have you thepassword?"
"Fancy, master, I have seen the king. I come from him. He wears fustianbreeches. 'Tis an adventure."
"Oh! distaff of words! what is your adventure to me! Have you thepassword of the outcasts?"
"I have it. Be at ease. 'Little sword in pocket.'"
"Good. Otherwise, we could not make our way as far as the church.The outcasts bar the streets. Fortunately, it appears that they haveencountered resistance. We may still arrive in time."
"Yes, master, but how are we to get into Notre-Dame?"
"I have the key to the tower."
"And how are we to get out again?"
"Behind the cloister there is a little door which opens on the Terrainand the water. I have taken the key to it, and I moored a boat therethis morning."
"I have had a beautiful escape from being hung!" Gringoire repeated.
"Eh, quick! come!" said the other.
Both descended towards the city with long strides.
CHAPTER VII. CHATEAUPERS TO THE RESCUE.