I once knew a prisoner drowned in the cell above this." "Well," Rupert said, calmly.

"After all one may as well be drowned as die by inches.

I don't owe you any ill will, but I should be almost glad if I did, for then I should dash your brains out against the wall, and fight till they had to bring soldiers down to kill me." The man gave a surly growl.
"I have my knife," he said.
"Just so," Rupert answered; "and it may be, although I do not think it likely, that you might kill me before I knocked your brains out; but that would be just what I should like.

I repeat, it is only because I have no ill will towards you that I don't at once begin a struggle which would end in my death one way or another." The gaoler said no more; but it was clear that Rupert's words had in no slight degree impressed him, for he was on all his future visits as civil as it was within his nature to be.
"Whenever you wish to see the governor, he will come to you." he said to Rupert one day.
"If the governor does not come till I send for him," Rupert answered, "he will never come." Even in this dungeon, where escape seemed hopeless, Rupert determined to do his best to keep life and strength together.
Nothing but the death of the king seemed likely to bring relief, and that event might be many years distant.

When it took place, his old friend would, he was sure, endeavour in every way to find out where he was confined, and to obtain his release.