I told him then that if he interfered with Capet I would wring his neck with my own hands." And his long, talon-like fingers, with their sharp, grimy nails, closed and unclosed like those of feline creatures when they hold the coveted prey.
"Of whom do you speak ?" queried Chauvelin curtly.
"Of whom?
Of whom but that accursed de Batz?
His pockets are bulging with Austrian money, with which, no doubt, he has bribed the Simons and Cochefer and the sentinels--" "And Lorinet and Lasniere and you," interposed Chauvelin dryly.
"It is false!" roared Heron, who already at the suggestion was foaming at the mouth, and had jumped up from his chair, standing at bay as if prepared to fight for his life.
"False, is it ?" retorted Chauvelin calmly; "then be not so quick, friend Heron, in slashing out with senseless denunciations right and left.
You'll gain nothing by denouncing any one just now.

This is too intricate a matter to be dealt with a sledge-hammer.

Is any one up in the Tower at this moment ?" he asked in quiet, business-like tones.
"Yes.

Cochefer and the others are still there.

They are making wild schemes to cover their treachery.