It is a comfort that we are, as he said, to take our meals together, and the money we have in our boots will alleviate our lot for some time.

Probably, it will last a good deal longer than we are likely to be here." When they joined their companions, in the room in which they were to dine, all were astonished at seeing an excellent dinner on the table, with eight bottles of wine.
"Is this the way they treat prisoners here ?" Colonel Wauchop asked one of the jailers, of whom six remained present.
The man smiled.
"No, indeed.

It has been sent in from a tavern outside, and with a message that a like meal will be provided, as long as you are here.

One of us was sent across, to enquire as to the person who had given the order.

The landlord said that he was a stranger to him, but that he had paid him a fortnight in advance, and would call in and renew the order, at the end of that time." "Well, gentlemen," the colonel said, "before we begin to eat, we will drink the health of our unknown benefactor.