It is high time that I should be rid of the youngster, else
it will be with me just as it is with my wife, and I shall have
convulsions and see ghosts with daggers in their eyes. And so, in
order to remain a strong man and have a good conscience and a brave
heart, I must be rid of the boy, and must know that I have done him
some service, and have been his deliverer. And so I swear by the
sacred republic, and by our hallowed freedom, that I will help you
and do all that in me lies to release little Capet and get him away
from here. I hope you will be satisfied with my oath, Toulan, for
there is nothing for me more sacred than the republic and freedom."
"I am satisfied, Simon, and I trust you. And now let us talk it all
over and consider it, my dear allies. The whole plan of the escape
is formed in my head, all the preparations are made, and if you will
faithfully follow all that I bid you, in one week's time you will be
free and happy."
"So soon as a week!" cried Simon, delightedly. "Yes, in a week, for
it happens fortunately that one of the officials of the Public
Safety service is dangerously sick and has been carried to the Hotel
Dien. Doctor Naudin says that he can live but three days longer, and
then the post will be vacant. We must be active, therefore, and take
measures for you to gain the place.
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