We have a dark cell down below here where my men know how to apply tortures worse than the rack--where they know just how to prolong life long enough to make it unendurable.

I'll torture him! I'll torture him!" But Chauvelin abruptly silenced the wretch with a curt command; then, without another word, he walked straight out of the room.
In thought Armand followed him.

The wild desire was suddenly born in him to run away at this moment, while Heron, wrapped in his own meditations, was paying no heed to him.

Chauvelin's footsteps had long ago died away in the distance; it was a long way to the upper floor of the Tower, and some time would be spent, too, in interrogating the commissaries.

This was Armand's opportunity.