There was no disputing that order, the sentries stood aside, and one of them proceeded to unlock the cell door.
Pierre Briant looked at the paper and then at the dwarf.
"You are free, jailer Briant," said Jean, "but you are dismissed the Duke's service. You'll have to turn 'prentice to some pedler in the town."
"I'm sorry for that," said the sentry.
"I'll see you on your way to the gate," said the dwarf, and then, when they were out of hearing of the sentries, he went on quickly: "All goes well. Those in the square to-night will follow you. You know what you have to do. Here, put this order of your release in your pocket, walk boldly to the gate, you will not be questioned. Say 'Obedience and trust,' that's your password, and make all speed you can to the Cheval Noir in the Rue de la Grosse Horloge. You will find friends there."
He stood watching the retreating figure across the court-yard, and saw the jailer pass safely through the postern by the great gates.
"That's one deed that would serve to hang me," he muttered. "Barbier is no fool; it is well I had the papers."
He entered the castle again, taking a different direction this time, but again before the door of Gaspard Lemasle's cell two sentries barred his way. Not until he had produced another order of release would they let him pass.
Lemasle walked away with the dwarf in silence.