The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-09-12


get the other two out during the night
You can take that bar out and work
with it while | use my own picker at
the other. You see, the stone is soft,
and by grinding it you soon make a
groove along which you can slip the
bar. 1t will be mighty queer If we
can't clear road for ourselves before
morning"
well. but even If we could get out
into the courtyard where could we
turn to them
Zone thing at time, friend. Any.
way. there is more air in the yard
than in here, and when the window is
clear we shall soon plan out the rest"
The two comrades did not dare to
do any work during the day for fear
they should be surprised by the jailer
or observed from without The instant
that night fell they were both up upon
the pegs, grinding away at the hard
stone and Juggling at the bars. 1t was
a rainy night. and there was 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
to 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 up at
them.
It was De Catinat who observed him
first. and he sprang down at him in
an instant with his bar. but at his
movement the man rushed for the door
and drew it after him just as the
Americans tool whizZed past his ear
and down the passage
at is scarce worth while to go on"
said De Catinat.
1--WE may as well be doing that an
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
70 work with now, but a few rubs with
your bar will finish the job All, dear,
you are right. and we are fairly freed"
A great belt had begun to ring In the
chateau. and there was a loud buzz OF
voices and clatter Of feet upon tae
stones. Hoarse orders were shouted,
and there was the sound of turning
keys. Five minutes passed, however,
and yet another five minutes, without
any one appearing.
We'll, I'll have that bar out, after
ALL" 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 up On
his pegs as he spoke and peeped out.
Come up.' he cried exeitedly to his
cOmrade. They've got some other
game going on here. and they are all
a deal too busy to bother their heads
about u.s."
De Catinat clambered up beside him.
and the two stood staring down into
the courtyard. A 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 a carriage, which had appar-
emily just driven in. was standing at
a small door Immediately in front of
their window. 4 man wearing
plumed hat and enveloped in a riding
coat stepped from the carriage and
then. turning round dragged Il second
person out after him. There was
scutlle a cry. Il push. and the two fig
ures vanished through the door AS it
closed the carriage drove away. the
torches and braZers were eztinguished.
the main gate was closed once more,
and all was as quiet as before this
sudden interruption.
Well" gasped De Catinat ''Is this
another kings messenger they've gOt?'
There will be lodgings for two more
he"e in short time" said Amos Green.
Give me your bar again. This thing
is giving. 1t won't take us long to
have it out" lie set to work furious
ly. trying to 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 tlud Of hammers. the rasping
of a saw and the clatter of wood from
the other side of the wall.
What can they be doing? Can you
see them:'
"They are too near the wall
II think can manage" said De Gait
nat Il am slighter than you" He
pushed his head and neck and half of
one shoulder through the gap between
the bars. and there he remained until
his friend thought that perhaps he had
stuck and pulled his legs to extricate