I had my knife, and with time and patience I might possibly fashion a tool that would answer the purpose.
But time was just what I might not be able to command.

I had heard that the sole merit of the military tribunal was its promptitude; it never kept its victims long in suspense; they were either quickly released or as quickly despatched--the latter being the alternative most generally adopted.

It was for this reason that, the moment I was arrested, I began to think how I could escape.

As neither opening the door nor breaking the bars seemed immediately feasible, the idea of bribing the turnkey naturally occurred to me.

Thanks to the precaution suggested by Mr.Van Voorst, I had several gold pieces in my belt.