Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-09-08


they should be surprised by the TALLER
or observed from without. The Instant
that night fell they were both up upon
the pegs, grinding away at the hard
stone md Juggling at the bars. Il was
rainy night, and there was n sharp
thunderstorm. but they could see very
well. while the shadow OF the arched
window prevented their being seen.
Before midnight they had loosened one
bar, and the other was Just beginning
10 give when some slight noise made
them turn their heads. and there was
their jailer standing. open mOuthed. In
the middle OF the cell. staring 10 at
| them.
IL was De CHtlnat who observed him
first. and he sprang down az him In
an Instant with his bar. but az his
movement the man rushed for the door
and drew 1t after him Just as the
Americans tool whizzed past his ear
aud down the passage.
1T Is source worth while 70 go on"
said De Catlnat.
I'VE may as well be doing that as
anything else If my picker had been
an inch lower I'd have had him. Well
maybe he'll get a stroke or break his
| neck down those stairs. I've nothing
to work with now, but few rubs with
your bar Will finish the Job. All. dear.
you are right, ana we are fairly treedr'
4 great bell had begun TO ring In the
chateau, and there was a loud buzz Of
voices and clatter OF feet upon the
stones. HOarse orders were shouted
and there was the sound OF turning
keys. Five minutes passed, however.
and yet another five minutes, without
sny one appearing.
We'll, I'll have that bar out. after
MI" said the American at last rising
and stepping over TO the window.
Anyhow We'll see what all this cater
wauling Is about" He climbed IN on
his pegs as he spoke and peeped out.
Come up" he cried excitedly TO his
comrade. They've got some other
game going on here, and they are all
deal too busy 10 bother their heads
about US"
De Catinat clambered up beside him.
ana the two stood staring down into
the courtyard. n brazier had been lit
at each corner and the place was
thronged with men. many OF whom
carried torches. The main gate was
open, and carriage, which had appar-
emily just driven In. was standing az
small door Immediately In front of
their window. y man wearing a
plumed hat and enveloped in a riding
coat stepped from the carriage and
then, turning round. dragged a second
person out after him. There was q
scuffe a cry. push. ana the two fig
ures vanished through the door. As II
closed the carriage drove away. the
torches and brazlers were extin -uished.
the main gate was closed once more,
and all was as quiet as before this
sudden interruption
"Wellp' gasped De Catinat "Is this
another kings messenger they've got?'
There VIII be lodgings FOR two more
here In short time" said Amos Green.
Give me your bar again. This thing
is giving. IL won't take us long 10
have IL out" He set TO work furious
~, trying 10 deepen the groove In The
stone, through which he hoped TO drag
the staple. Suddenly he ceased and
strained his ears.
by thunder" said he. There's
some one working on the other sIde.'
They both stood listening. There |
were the thud Of hammers. the raspsng !
OF saw and the clatter OF wood from |
the other side Of the wall.
What can they be doing? Can you
see themr"
They are TOO near the wall"
II think ! can manage" said De Gait
nat. Il am sliebter than You" He
pushed his head and neck aud half OF
one shoulder through the gap between