"
The Governor continued, with nevertheless a little hesitation: "On the
return of the steamer there will be an English prisoner. I will give
him cell Number Two, and if you don't talk so loud that the gaoler
hears you, it may perhaps make the day less wearisome."
"You are very kind," said Jack, rigidly suppressing any trace of
either emotion or interest as he heard the intelligence; leaping at
once to certain conclusions, nevertheless. "I shan't ask for anything
more, much as I should like to mention candles, matches, and tobacco."
"It is possible you may find all three in Number One before this time
to-morrow;" then in Russian the Governor said to the goaler:
"See if Number One is ready."
The gaoler departed, and the Governor, throwing open a drawer in his
table, took out two candles, a box of matches, and a packet of
cigarettes.
"Put these in your pocket," he said. "The cell door opens very slowly,
so you will always know when the gaoler is coming. In that case blow
out your light and conceal your candle. It will last the longer."
The gaoler returned.
"The cell is ready, Excellency," he said.
"Take away the prisoner," commanded the Governor, gruffly.
CHAPTER XVIII
CELL NUMBER ONE
CELL Number One was a great improvement on Number Nine. There was no
shelf of rock, or stone bench, but a cot bed in the corner, a table,
and a wooden chair. The living spring issued from the living rock in a
corner of the room.
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