There was no stir in the house; it seemed as if the jailor had deserted his charge, and left the prison with its wretched inhabitants to the mercy of the conflagration which was spreading towards them.

In the meantime a new and fierce attack was heard upon the outer gate of the correction house, which, battered with sledge-hammers and crows, was soon forced.

The keeper, as great a coward as a bully, with his more ferocious wife, had fled; their servants readily surrendered the keys.

The liberated prisoners, celebrating their deliverance with the wildest yells of joy, mingled among the mob which had given them freedom.
In the midst of the confusion that ensued three or four of the principal smugglers hurried to the apartment of Bertram with lighted torches, and armed with cutlasses and pistols.

'Der deyvil,' said the leader, 'here's our mark!' and two of them seized on Bertram; but one whispered in his ear,' Make no resistance till you are in the street.' The same individual found an instant to say to Dinmont--'Follow your friend, and help when you see the time come.' In the hurry of the moment Dinmont obeyed and followed close.