"You must find that out for yourself," he said.
"Are the soldiers upstairs well supplied with food?"
"I will not answer any of your questions."
"Oh, very well. I see you are determined to go hungry yourself. Until
I am satisfied that there is more than sufficient for my friend and
me, no prisoner in my charge gets anything to eat. That's the sort of
gaoler I am. The stubborn old beast!" he cried in English, turning to
Drummond, "won't answer my questions."
"What were you asking him?"
"I want to know about the stock of provisions."
"It's quite unnecessary to ask about the grub: there's sure to be
ample."
"Why?"
"Why? Because we have reached the beginning of winter, as I said
before. There must be months when no boat can land at this rock. It's
bound to be provisioned for several months ahead at the very lowest
calculation. Now, the first thing to do is to put this ancient Johnny
in his little cell, then I'll tell you where our chief danger lies."
The Governor made neither protest nor complaint, but walked into
Number Nine, and was locked up.
"Now, Johnny, my boy," said Drummond, "our anxiety is the soldiers.
The moment they find they are locked in they will blow those two doors
open in just about half a jiffy. We can, of course, by sitting in
front of the lower door night and day, pick off the first four or five
who come down, but if the rest make a rush we are bound to be
overpowered.
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