Part 45 (1/2)

”Again the howl of the prairie wolf--the bark! By heavens! it is Lincoln!”

Now it ceased for several minutes, and then came again, but from another direction.

”What is to be done? if I answer him, it will alarm the sentry. I will wait until he comes closer to the wall.”

I could tell that he was creeping nearer and nearer.

Finding he had not been answered, the howling ceased. I stood listening eagerly to every sound from without. My comrades, who had now become apprised of Lincoln's proximity, had risen to their feet and were leaning against the walls.

We were about half an hour in this situation, without exchanging a word, when a light tap was heard from without, and a soft voice whispered:

”_Hola, Capitan_!”

I placed my ear to the aperture. The whisper was repeated. It was not Lincoln--that was clear.

It must be Narcisso.

”_Quien_?” I asked.

”_Yo, Capitan_.”

I recognised the voice that had addressed me in the morning.

It is Narcisso.

”Can you place your hands in the aperture?” said he.

”No; they are tied behind my back.”

”Can you bring them opposite, then?”

”No; I am standing on my toes, and my wrists are still far below the sill.”

”Are your comrades all similarly bound?”

”All.”

”Let one get on each side of you, and raise you up on their shoulders.”

Wondering at the astuteness of the young Spaniard, I ordered Chane and Raoul to lift me as he directed.

When my wrists came opposite the window I cautioned them to hold on.

Presently a soft hand touched mine, pa.s.sing all over them. Then I felt the blade of a knife pressed against the thong, and in an instant it leaped from my wrists. I ordered the men to set me down, and I listened as before.

”Here is the knife. You can release your own ankles and those of your comrades. This paper will direct you further. You will find the lamp inside.”

A knife, with a folded and strangely s.h.i.+ning note, was pa.s.sed through by the speaker.

”And now, Capitan--one favour,” continued the voice, in a trembling tone.