The men were completely deceived by his acting, and, considering any attempt to escape, in his present weak state, altogether impossible, paid but little heed to him, the peasant frequently absenting himself for hours together.
Looking from his window, Charlie saw that the hut was situated in a thick wood, and, from the blackened appearance of the peasant's face and garments, he guessed him to be a charcoal burner, and therefore judged that the trees he saw must form part of a forest of considerable extent.
The weather was warm, and his other guard often sat, for a while, outside the door.

During his absence, Charlie lifted the logs of wood piled beside the hearth, and was able to test his returning strength, assuring himself that, although not yet fully recovered, he was gaining ground daily.

He resolved not to wait until the seventh day; for Ben Soloman might change his mind, and return before the day he had named.

He determined, therefore, that on the sixth day he would make the attempt.
He had no fear of being unable to overcome his Jewish guard, as he would have the advantage of a surprise.

He only delayed as long as possible, because he doubted his powers of walking any great distance, and of evading the charcoal burner, who would, on his return, certainly set out in pursuit of him.