The governors all said that prisoners were never kept there many days, and that it was only when Tippoo wished to get rid of them that they were sent there.

None of the governors made any objection to answering Dick's questions on the subject, generally adding an expression of satisfaction that prisoners were never left long under their charge.
"It entails a lot of trouble," the governor of Outradroog said.

"They have to be watched incessantly, and one never feels certain they may not slip away.

Look at this place.

You would think that no one could make his escape; and yet, some ten years ago, fourteen of them got away from here.