“When you hear ‘beds down’ called out,” said Mr. Dring, “you must prepare your hammock for the night. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir, I will do so.”
“But you must not do it till you hear the word given outside.”
“No, sir.”
“Well, that is all, I think—you will not forget my instructions?”
“Certainly not.”
“Good. You’ve got a queer pair next to you—I mean in the cells adjoining yours. Have nothing to say to them, and if they make a noise, which I expect they are pretty sure to do, take no notice of them.”
“One makes a terrible noise.”
“Ah, the prisoner with the manacles—yes, I know—well, that can’t be helped; it’s no fault of ours that he is constrained to wear the fetters.”
Peace bowed, but did not offer any observation.