Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 4).djvu/276

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serve than destroy his existence;—the life of his son is precarious; if our schemes relative to him are accomplished, we can easily destroy the father; if they are disappointed, our declaring his existence will at all times compel D'Alembert to comply with our demands, be they ever so extravagant."

"True (cried Claude); but how will you conceal him, or manage about his wounds?"

"There is an extensive cave (replied Lafroy), contiguous to the vaults of the castle, known but to few, and which Blanche showed to me; the former inhabitants of the castle used it as a place for depositing treasure in, and accordingly fortified it with iron doors. Thither, with your assistance, I can now convey him; and, as I have a knowledge of surgery, I shall dress his wound, and from the castle bring whatever I deem necessary for him:—for the purpose of attending him, I shall continue here till Josephe has left the child with his wife; he shall then return to supply my place; and as his affinity