The prince was more confused at this than he was before, for if he had not taken it at the time of his arrest who could have done so?
He dared make no explanation to the jailer, for he knew him to be a loyal man, and one of the fiercest persecutors of the Nihilists in the Czar's official household. And yet he half believed that he had secured the correspondence, and was withholding it for a purpose against him.
Finally he said:
"Conduct me to the prisoner's cell."
"This way, Excellency," and he led him to the stout and heavily-grated door.
"Now leave us," and the officer retired.
Prince Mastowix glanced up and down the dimly-lighted corridor to make sure that no one was in sight, and then he spoke.
"William Barnwell," and the young man quickly leaped to his feet and went to the bars.
"Who is it?" he asked, eagerly.
"The man who sent you here."