The Governor did so, and the machine whirred with quite a different
note. Half a dozen electric lamps in the room flooded the place with a
dazzling white glow.
"There you are," cried Jack, rubbing the oil off his hands on a piece
of coarse sacking. "Now, Tommy, put these things back in the tool
chest," he said to the gaoler. Then to the Governor:
"Let's see how things look in the big room."
The passage was lit, and the Governor's room showed every mark on
wall, ceiling and floor.
"I told you, Governor," said Jack with a laugh, "that I didn't know
why I was sent here, but now I understand. Providence took pity on
you, and ordered me to strike a light."
At that moment the gaoler entered with his jingling keys, and the
enthusiastic expression faded from the Governor's face, leaving it
once more coldly impassive, but he spoke in German instead of Russian.
"I am very much indebted to your Highness, and it grieves me that our
relationship remains unchanged."
"Oh, that's all right," cried Lermontoff breezily, "If it is within
your power to allow me to come and give you some lessons in
electricity and the care of dynamos, I shall be very glad to do so."
To this offer the Governor made no reply, but he went on still in
German.
"I shall transfer you to cell Number One, which is not only more
comfortable, but the water there is pure. Did you say you spoke
English?"
"Yes, quite as well as I do Russian.
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