"I think that you will have finished my work in a very few hours."
"Thanks," said Aubry, "thanks."
"And now, a priest. I would much like to see a priest," said the moribund.
"Wait, father, wait," said Aubry; "it is impossible that they would refuse such a request from a dying man."
He ran to the door, this time without stumbling, his eyes being somewhat accustomed to the darkness, and knocked with feet and hands both.
A turnkey came down.
"What's the matter, that you make such an uproar?" he demanded, "what do you want?"
"The old man here with me is dying," said Aubry, "and asks for a priest: can you refuse?"
"Hum!" grumbled the jailer, "I don't know why these fellows must all want priests. It's all right: we'll send him one."
Ten minutes later the priest appeared, carrying the viaticum and preceded by two sacristans, one with the crucifix, the other with the bell.