She told herself that she had rejoiced too soon, and her heart stood still.

She waited for a rush of feet, a cry, a struggle.

But except an uncertain muffled sound which lasted for some minutes, and was followed by a dull shock, she heard nothing more.

And presently the men went back whispering, the noise in the guard-room which had been partially hushed broke forth anew, and perplexed but relieved she breathed again.

Surely he had escaped by this time.