"
"But," remonstrated the lantern-bearer, "the Governor said we were to
bring the Englishman to him at once."
"What if he did? How will he know we stole a half minute to give the
Prince his dinner? If we bring the Englishman upstairs first, the
Prince may have to wait an hour before we can get back with the
Englishman."
"Let him wait, then."
"With his pocket full of roubles? Not I. He may decide to give no more
of his gold pieces to a gaoler who lets him go hungry too long."
"I've got the door unfastened now and--"
"Then fasten it again and come back with me to Number One."
Faint as were the words, deadened by intervening walls, their purport
reached Jack.
"Back to your place," he whispered, "they're coming!"
The rattle of bolts followed close on his words. The great door of
Number One swung ponderously inward. The lantern-bearer, holding his
light high in front of him, entered; then stepped to one side to admit
the gaoler, who came close after, the tray of food in his outstretched
hands.
Unluckily for the captives' plan, it was to the side of the cell
opposite to that where Alan crouched that the lantern-bearer had taken
his stand. There was no way of reaching him at a bound. The open door
stood between. Were the gaoler to be attacked first, his
fellow-attendant could readily be out of the cell and half-way up the
corridor before Alan might hope to reach him.
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