Part 79 (2/2)

She tells me this is the only key she has of any room in this corridor.

”But dear heart,” said Brown, ”how quicksighted the women are. She said, says she, 'If it is to bring sorrowful true lovers together again, Giles, or the like of that I'll try and get the key you want off Mrs.

Archbold's bunch, though I get the sack for it,' says she. 'I know she heaves them in the parlour at night' says Hannah. She is a trump, you must allow.”

Alfred coloured up. He suspected he had been unjust.

”She is a good, kind, single-hearted girl,” said he; ”and neither of you shall find me ungrateful.”

It was evident by the alacrity Brown now showed, that he had got his orders from Hannah.

It was agreed that Alfred should be down at night in his clothes, ready to seize the right moment; that Hannah should get the key, and watch the coast clear, and let him out into the corridor; and Brown get him down by a back stairs, and out on the lawn, There he would find a ladder close by the wall, and his own arms and legs must do the rest.

And now Alfred was a changed creature: his eye sparkled; he walked on air, and already sniffed the air of liberty.

After tea Brown brought in some newspapers, and made Alfred a signal, previously agreed on, that the ladder was under the east wall. He went to bed early, put on his tweed shooting-jacket and trousers, and lay listening to the clock with beating heart.

At first, feet pa.s.sed to and fro from time to time. These became less frequent as the night wore on.

Presently a light foot pa.s.sed, stopped at the door, and made a sharp scratch on it with some metal instrument.

It was the key. The time was not ripe to use it, but good Hannah had taken this way to let him know she had got it.

This little scratch outside his door, oh it made his heart leap and thrill. One great difficulty was overcome. He waited, and waited, but with glowing, hopeful heart; and at last a foot came swiftly, the key turned, and Hannah opened the door. She had a bull's-eye lantern.

”Take your shoes in your hand,” she whispered, ”and follow me.”

He followed her. She led him in and out, to the door of the public room belonging to the second-cla.s.s patients. Then she drew her whistle, and breathed very softly. Brown answered as softly from the other end. He was waiting at the opposite door.

”All right,” said she; ”the dangerous part is over.” She put a key into the door, and said very softly, ”Good-bye.”

”G.o.d bless you, Hannah,” said Alfred, with deep emotion. ”G.o.d in heaven bless you for this!”

”He will, He does,” said the single-hearted girl, and put her other hand to her breast with a great gulp. She opened the door slowly. ”Good-bye, dear. I shall never see you again.”

And so these two parted; for Hannah could not bear the sight of Giles at that moment. He was welcome to Alfred, though, most welcome, and conducted him by devious ways to the kitchen, lantern in hand.

He opened the kitchen door softly, and saw two burly strangers seated at the table, eating with all their souls, and Mrs. Archbold standing before the fire, but looking towards him: for she had heard his footsteps ever so far off.

The men looked up, and saw Alfred. They rose to their feet, and said, ”This will be the gentleman, madam?”

”Yes,” said Mrs. Archbold.

”Your servant, sir,” said the man very civilly. ”If you are ready we are.”

CHAPTER x.x.xIV

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