I have plenty of oil, and it won't take me long to saw round the plate.

I only brought the second saw in case the first should break.

But this oak is pretty nearly as hard as iron." It took over an hour's work before the cut was complete.

When it was nearly finished, Pierre said: "Be ready to seize the piece that is cut out, as soon as I am through with it, master; otherwise it may fall down, as the door opens, and make a clatter that will be heard all over the castle." As the last piece was sawn through Philip pressed the door and, as it opened, seized the portion cut out, drew it backward, and laid it gently on the stone floor.

Then he rose, and grasped Pierre's hand.
"My brave Pierre, you have accomplished what I thought was an impossibility.