I leaned back watching him, clutching the paper pellet in the palm of one hand, until he passed out with his tray, and the door clicked behind him.

Not once did he glance toward me, or acknowledge my presence.

Fearful lest I might be spied upon, my heart beating wildly in anticipation, I lay down in the bunk with face to the wall, and unrolled the pellet.

It contained but a few words, hastily scribbled, in a lady's delicate handwriting.

"Don't despair; if they are away until after dark I will arrange.