The missionary accordingly held up his with one hand whilst he held on the ladder with the other. The captain bent down to take it, but found he could not reach it without endangering his equilibrium. They both made some desperate efforts to accomplish the feat, but the thing was impossible.
"I see no help for it," said the missionary, "but to ascend all three again."
"That is awkward," said the captain.
"Gentlemen," said Willis, "three o'clock is striking on the prison clock; the warder will be round in two minutes."
"God sometimes permits good actions to go unrewarded," said the missionary; "but he never punishes them."
"Let us re-ascend, then," said the captain.
"So be it," said Willis, going upwards.
They had scarcely time to re-enter the cell before they heard the sound of steps and the clank of keys in the corridor. The steps discontinued at their door, and a key was thrust into the lock.
"What is the matter?" cried the captain from his bed, as the gaoler thrust his head inside the door.
"Why," said the warder, "I heard a noise, and thought that your honor might be ill."