The turnkey touched his cap, and said “Yes, sir.”
“And see that my instructions are attended to. The prisoner is a dangerous character; he has the cunning of the serpent. Keep watch and ward over him. Do you understand?”
“He shall be well looked after, sir.”
The governor turned upon his heel, and strode majestically out of the cell.
Chudley did not seem to be aware that the prison’s chief had taken his departure.
The wretched man sat on his stool almost in a state of stupefaction.
He had drained the cup of bitterness to the very dregs, and did not appear to care what became of him. The misery that had fallen on him was supreme and overpowering.
The turnkeys spoke to him, but he did not answer or take any notice of what they said.
One stepped forward, and shook him roughly by the shoulder.
“Now, then, get up and stir your stumps. Do you hear?” he exclaimed.