"This is a strong prison and a close one.

I've no doubt our gallants from Kaintock, where there is much room, will be glad to be outside again." Luiz inserted the huge iron key, turned it in the lock, and threw wide the door.

Alvarez looked in, and then uttered a cry so charged with rage that even Braxton Wyatt was startled.

He pressed close up to his chief and gazed over his shoulder.
The prison was empty! "What does this mean ?" shouted Alvarez at the trembling sentinels.

"The prisoners have escaped! Idiots! Blind men! What have you been doing?
Have you helped them yourselves?
If it is so, both of you shall be shot!" The unfortunates, Carlos and Juan, stared at the empty prison and crossed themselves.