There is one way we can escape, and, like Samson of old, destroy our enemies at the same time.
What do you say, my friends?"
Ryland was staring at Achille Poirot.
"Suppose he's lying," he said hoarsely.
The other shrugged his shoulders.
"In an hour it will be dawn.
Then you can see for yourself the truth of my words.
Already they should have traced me to the entrance in the Felsenlabyrynth."
Even as he spoke, there was a far off reverberation, and a man ran in shouting incoherently.
Ryland sprang up and went out.
Madame Olivier moved to the end of the room and opened a door that I had not noticed.
Inside I caught a glimpse of a perfectly equipped laboratory which reminded me of the one in Paris.
Number Four also sprang up and went out.
He returned with Poirot's revolver which he gave to the countess.
"There is no danger of their escaping," he said grimly. "But still you had better have this."
Then he went out again.
The countess came over to us and surveyed my companion attentively for some time.
Suddenly she laughed.
"You are very clever, M. Achille Poirot," she said mockingly.
"Madame, let us talk business.
It is fortunate that they have left us alone together.
What is your price?"
"I do not understand.
What price?"
"Madame, you can aid us to escape.
You know the secret ways out of this retreat.
I ask you, what is your price?"
She laughed again.
"More than you could pay, little man!
Why, all the money in the world would not buy me!"
"Madame, I did not speak of money.
I am a man of intelligence.
Nevertheless, this is a true fact - every one has his price!
In exchange for life and liberty, I offer you your heart's desire."
"So you are a magician!"
"You can call me so if you like."
The countess suddenly dropped her jesting manner. She spoke with passionate bitterness.
"Fool!
My heart's desire!
Can you give me revenge upon my enemies?
Can you give me back youth and beauty and a gay heart?
Can you bring the dead to life again?"
Achille Poirot was watching her very curiously.
"Which of the three, Madame? Make your choice."
She laughed sardonically.
"You will sell me the Elixir of Life, perhaps?
Come, I will make a bargain with you.
Once, I had a child.
Find my child for me - and you shall go free."
"Madame, I agree.