You are a man--and can appreciate what they sometimes mean!" A few minutes later, gagged and bound, the prisoners fell behind two of the armed guards and at a command from the king, given in a low tone to Jeekum, marched through the corridor and up the short flight of steps that led out of the jail.

To Nathaniel's astonishment there was no light to guide them.

Candles and lights had been extinguished.

What words he heard were spoken in whispers.

In the deep shadow of the prison wall a third guard joined the two ahead and like automatons they strode through the gloom with slow, measured step, their rifles held with soldierly precision.