One witness testified, however, that on the morning of the escape, he
met, just before daybreak, a party of about a dozen persons, men and
women, who seemed to be carrying a dead body.
This circumstance, taken in connection with the broken rope and the
blood-stains, made Martial tremble.
He had also been strongly impressed by another circumstance, which was
revealed as the investigation progressed.
All the soldiers who were on guard that eventful night were
interrogated. One of them testified as follows:
"I was on guard in the corridor communicating with the prisoner's
apartment in the tower, when at about half-past two o'clock, after
Lacheneur had been placed in his cell, I saw an officer approaching me.
I challenged him; he gave me the countersign, and, naturally, I allowed
him to pass. He went down the corridor, and entered the room adjoining
that in which Monsieur d'Escorval was confined. He remained there about
five minutes."
"Did you recognize this officer?" Martial eagerly inquired.
And the soldier answered: "No.
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