“No, sir, nothing. Nor do we miss anything from the cell.”
The governor, who had been standing with his arms behind him in a Napoleon-like attitude, appeared to be lost in reflection.
While the examination of the garments had been taking place he watched the countenance of the prisoner with the eyes of a lynx. He had succeeded in intercepting one furtive glance.
“Umph! You miss nothing, eh?” said he.
“No, sir.”
“How about the hasp to the window?” The turnkeys looked astonished when they found that it was not in its proper place.
“It must be concealed somewhere, and has been taken away for a specific purpose. What that purpose is we can readily guess.”
Giles Chudley felt as if about to faint.
“What have you done with the hasp?” said the governor to the prisoner.
“Me, I aint seen nuffin’ of it; somebody must ha’ taken it away afore I came here.”