The sounds which had attracted our attention ceased, then were renewed for a moment, and then we heard stifled sobs.

We were only able to catch these words, which reached us distinctly: "My poor Robert!"-- Rouletabille whispered in my ear: "If we only knew what was being said in that chamber, my inquiry would soon be finished." He looked about him.

The darkness of the evening enveloped us; we could not see much beyond the narrow path bordered by trees, which ran behind the chateau.

The sobs had ceased.
"If we can't hear we may at least try to see," said Rouletabille.
And, making a sign to me to deaden the sound of my steps, he led me across the path to the trunk of a tall beech tree, the white bole of which was visible in the darkness.

This tree grew exactly in front of the window in which we were so much interested, its lower branches being on a level with the first floor of the chateau.