"But alas! it is
impossible--a deep moat runs all around this chateau the drawbridge is
up, the postern securely fastened--there is no way of escape."
"Chiquita laughs at bolts and bars, at high walls and deep moats.
Chiquita can get out of the best guarded prison whenever she pleases,
and fly away to the moon, right before the eyes of her astonished
jailer. If you choose, before the sun rises your Captain Fracasse shall
know where the treasure that he seeks is hidden."
Isabelle was afraid, when she heard these incoherent phrases, that the
child was not quite sane, but her little face was so calm, her dark eyes
so clear and steady, her voice so earnest, and she spoke with such an
air of quiet conviction, that the supposition was not admissible, and
the strange little creature did seem to be possessed of some of the
magic powers she claimed. As if to convince Isabelle that she was
not merely boasting, she continued, "Let me think a moment, to make a
plan--don't speak nor move, for the least sound interferes with me--I
must listen to the spirit."
Chiquita bent down her head, put her hand over her eyes, and remained
for several minutes perfectly motionless; then she raised her head and
without a word went and opened the window, clambered up on the sill, and
gazed out intently into the darkness.
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