Then Fouquet descended about a score of steps which sank, winding, underground, and came to a long, subterranean passage, lighted by imperceptible loopholes.

The walls of this vault were covered with slabs or tiles, and the floor with carpeting.

This passage was under the street itself, which separated Fouquet's house from the Park of Vincennes.

At the end of the passage ascended a winding staircase parallel with that by which Fouquet had entered.

He mounted these other stairs, entered by means of a spring placed in a closet similar to that in his cabinet, and from this closet an untenanted chamber furnished with the utmost elegance.
As soon as he entered, he examined carefully whether the glass closed without leaving any trace, and, doubtless satisfied with his observation, he opened by means of a small gold key the triple fastenings of a door in front of him.