First-rate melyons, dese; just melt away in your mouf like honey." He held up one of the melons, and Vincent placed in his hands the coppers in payment.

Between two of them he had placed the little note.
Dan's hands closed quickly on the coins, and dropping them into his pocket he addressed the next customer, while Vincent sauntered away again.

This time the melon was a whole one, and Vincent divided it with a couple of other prisoners, for the fruit was too large for one person to consume, being quite as large as a man's head.
The next day another melon was bought, but this time Vincent did not open it in public.

Examining it closely, he perceived that it had been cut through the middle, and no doubt contained a portion of the rope.

He hesitated as to his next step.