Part 9 (2/2)

”There And yet, boy, it would be taking a risk which if successful would mean life--if otherwise, a speedier end than even the rope will afford you Oddslife,” he cried, suddenly springing to his feet, and seizing the lanthorn ”Let us look at these bars”

He stepped across to the , and held the light so that its rays fell full upon the base of the vertical iron that barred the square

”It is much worn by rust, Kenneth,” he le piece of iron,” and he touched the lower are Who knows? Hum!”

He walked back to the table and set the lanthorn down In a tremble, Kenneth watched his every movement, but spoke no word

”He who throws a main,” said Galliard, ”must set a stake upon the board

I set my life--a stake that is already forfeit--and I throw for liberty

If I win, I win all; if I lose, I lose naught 'Slife, I have thrown many a enerous Come, Kenneth, it is the only way, and ill attempt it if we can but asped the lad

”Into the river It is the only way”

”O God, I dare not It is a fearsoive you in an hour's time, if you remain; but it may lead elsewhere”

The boy's mouth was parched His eyes burned in their sockets, and yet his liht

”I'll try it,” heGalliard's arm, he pointed to the

”What ails you now?” quoth Crispin testily

”The dawn, Sir Crispin The dawn”

Crispin looked, and there, like a gash in the blackness of the heavens, he beheld a streak of grey

”Quick, Sir Crispin; there is no time to lose The minister said he would return at daybreak”

”Let hiriripped the lower bar with his lean, sinewy hands, and setting his knee against the th--that awful strength acquired during those years of toil as a galley-slave, which even his debaucheries had not under until it seemed that they rew stertorous

”It gives,” he panted at last ”It gives”

He paused in his efforts, and withdrew his hands

”I must breathe a while One other effort such as that, and it is done

'Fore George,” he laughed, ”it is the first time water has stood my friend, for the rains have sadly rusted that iron”

Without, their sentry was pacing before the door; his steps caain, and again passed on

As once rew faint, Crispin seized the bar and renewed his attempt This time it was easier Gradually it ceded to the strain Galliard set upon it

Nearer came the sentry's footsteps, but they went unheeded by him who toiled, and by hi heart He felt it giving--giving--giving Crack!