There were dry batteries, and primary
batteries, and many odds and ends, which made Jack almost sorry he was
leaving the place.
Heavy steps, muffled by the thickness of the door, sounded along the
outer passage.
"Ready?" whispered Jack. "Here they come. Remember if you miss your
first blow, we're goners, you and I."
Drummond made no reply, for the steps had come perilously near and he
feared to be heard. Noiselessly he crossed the cell and took up his
position against the wall, just clear of the space that would be
covered by the opening of the door.
At the same moment Jack switched off the light, leaving the room
black. Each of the two waiting prisoners could hear the other's short
breathing through the darkness.
On came the shuffling footsteps of the gaoler and lantern-bearer. They
had reached the door of Number One, had paused, had passed on and
stopped in front of Number Two.
"Your cell!" whispered Jack, panic-stricken. "And they weren't due to
look in on you for four days. It's all up! They'll discover the cell
is empty and give the-- Where are you going, man?" he broke off, as
Drummond, leaving his place near the door, groped his way hurriedly
along the wall.
"To squeeze my way back and make a fight for it. It's better than--"
"Wait!"
Lamont's hand was on his shoulder, and he whispered a sharp command
for silence. The two attendants had halted in front of Number Two, and
while the lantern-bearer fumbled with the awkward bolt, his companion
was saying:
"Hold on! After all, I'll bring the other his food first, I think.
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