They speedily came to the other end; the secret door there stood
open also. They ascended the stairs in the tower, but could see no
trace of the murderers. "It is useless to search further for them
at this time," remarked Cadet, "perhaps not safe at any time, but I
would give my best horse to lay hands on the assassins at this
moment."
Gardeners' tools lay around the room. "Here," exclaimed Cadet, "is
what is equally germane to the matter, and we have no time to lose."
He seized a couple of spades and a bar of iron, and bidding Bigot go
before him with the lights, they returned to the chamber of death.
"Now for work! This sad business must be done well, and done
quickly!" exclaimed Cadet. "You shall see that I have not forgotten
how to dig, Bigot!"
Cadet threw off his coat, and setting to work, pulled up the thick
carpet from one side of the chamber. The floor was covered with
broad, smooth flags, one of which he attacked with the iron bar,
raised the flagstone and turned it over; another easily followed,
and very soon a space in the dry brown earth was exposed, large
enough to make a grave.
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