We heard them grumble angrily to be baulked of their day's sport by a couple of college boys like us, and to be shut up here all day long with neither drink nor food nor anything with which to make good cheer.
Whereat one of the party pulled out a box of dice, and for lack of better sport they began to play.
Meanwhile, I watched my comrade, who, on entering, had thrown himself on the floor, and composed himself as if to sleep.

But though he lay with his head on his hands, it was plain to see he was not dreaming; for the muscles of his face were working, and his body once or twice seemed exercised as with some effort.

What this was, I guessed soon enough.
He was gnawing the cord which bound his wrists; whereupon I set-to do the same, and, in a quarter of an hour I was free.

Already my comrade had signalled to me that he was rid of his bonds, but warned me to give no sign, but wait the signal from him.

So we both lay still, and I, the better to keep up the part, snored long and loud.
Our keepers, meanwhile, gave us no heed, but played deep and eagerly.
We could hear by the growls and oaths that kept company with the rattle of the dice, that the luck was not going even.