"
"Isn't there any way of finding out? Couldn't you pump the Governor?"
"He is always very much on his guard, and is a taciturn man. The
moment the tunnel is finished I shall question him about some further
electrical material, and then perhaps I may get a hint about the
steamer. I imagine she comes irregularly, so the only safe plan would
be for us to make our attempt just after she had departed."
"Would there be any chance of our finding a number of the military
downstairs?"
"I don't think so. Now that they have their electric light they spend
their time playing cards and drinking vodka."
"Very well, Jack, that scheme seems reasonably feasible. Now, get
through your material to me, and issue your instructions."
CHAPTER XIX
"STONE WALLS DO NOT A PRISON MAKE"
IN a very short time Drummond became as expert at the rock dissolving
as was his friend. He called it piffling slow work, but was
nevertheless extremely industrious at it, although days and weeks and,
as they suspected, months, passed before the hands of the two friends
met in the center of the rock. One lucky circumstance that favored
them was the habit of the gaoler in visiting Drummond only once every
four days.
The Lieutenant made his difficult passage, squeezing through the newly
completed tunnel half an hour after a loaf had been set upon his
table. Jack knew that the steamer had recently departed, because, two
days before, the Governor had sent for him, and had exhibited a
quantity of material recently landed, among other things a number of
electric bells and telephones which the Governor was going to have set
up between himself and the others, and also between his room and that
of the clerk and gaoler.
Pages:
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212