It is bad enough to be consorting with Moors, without being abused and threatened as if one was a dog." As soon as he was alone again, Francis set to work, and by the afternoon the ends of the four rivets were worn down level with the iron, and it needed but a pressure to make the rings spring open.

Then he waited for the evening before freeing himself, as by some chance he might again be visited, and even if free before nightfall he could not leave the house.
Philippo was later than usual in bringing him his meal, and Francis heard angry words passing between him and his comrade, because he had not returned to relieve him sooner.
"Is everything ready for the start ?" Francis asked the man as he entered.
"Yes, the crew are all on board.

The boat is to be on shore for the captain at nine o'clock, and as there is a little breeze blowing, I expect they will get up sail and start at once." After a few minutes' talk the man left, and Francis waited until it became almost dark, then he inserted the dagger between the irons at the point of junction.

At the first wrench they flew apart, and his left hand was free.

A few minutes' more work and the chains lay on the ground.
Taking them up, he rattled them together loudly.