Then he put on his coat and threw himself on the floor, first wrapping the rope about his wrists to deceive the guard.
A key turned in the padlock and the bolt was raised.

Old man Spantz stood in the doorway, peering in at them.

In surly tones Truxton replied to his sharp query, saying that the candle had gone out while he slept.
"It is noon," said the old man irascibly.

Then he came in and lighted a candle.
"Noon of the 25th," said Truxton bitterly.

"In twenty-four hours it will be all over, eh, Spantz ?" "At noon to-morrow," said Spantz grimly.
There were half a dozen men in the outer room, conversing in low, excited tones; the fervent gesticulations which usually marked their discussions were missing, proving the constraint that had descended upon them.