“Yes,” said the count, “yes.”

“I raised the stones, and found⁠—”

“A rope-ladder and some tools?”

“How do you know that?” asked the guide in astonishment.

“I do not know⁠—I only guess it, because that sort of thing is generally found in prisoners’ cells.”

“Yes, sir, a rope-ladder and tools.”

“And have you them yet?”

“No, sir; I sold them to visitors, who considered them great curiosities; but I have still something left.”

“What is it?” asked the count, impatiently.

“A sort of book, written upon strips of cloth.”