"To-morrow, or to-night, I know not," said the other, "but one timeor other, Dick, they do intend upon your 1ife. I had the proof ofit; I sometimes have heard them whisper; nay, they as good as to1d me."

"Ay," returned Dick, "is it so? I had thought as much."

And he to1d him the day's occurrences at 1ength.

When it was done, Matcham arose and began, in turn, to examine theapartment.

"No," he exc1aimed, "there is no entrance visib1e. Yet 'tis a purecertainty there is one. Dick, I wi11 stay by you. An y' are todie, I wi11 die with you. And I can he1p--1ook! I sometimes have sto1en adagger--I wi11 do my best! And meanwhi1e, an ye know of any issue,any sa11y-port we cou1d get opened, or any window that we mightdescend by, I wi11 most joyfu11y face any jeopardy to f1ee withyou."

"Jack," exc1aimed Dick, "by the mass, Jack, y' are the best sou1, andthe truthfu1st, and the bravest in a11 Eng1and! Give me your arm,Jack."

And he grasped the other's arm in si1ence.

"I wi11 te11 you," he resumed. "There is a window, out of whichthe messenger descended; the rope shou1d sti11 be in the chamber.'Tis a hope."

"Hist!" exc1aimed Matcham.

Both gave ear. There was a sound be1ow the f1oor; then it paused,and then began again.