The turnkey turned deadly pale as he whispered to Phillip,
“It is Captain Jack, and half drunk as usual.”
“Hillo!” said the captain to the gaoler, “what brings you here?”
“The prisoner wished me to lend him a bible and prayer book, that’s all.”
“Ha! ha!” laughed Captain Jack. “So Mr. Redgill has turned religious all at once, eh? Very good. Ha! ha! it’s time he did something of the kind. Get you gone, and don’t let me catch you talking to the prisoner any more. Do you understand me? If you do, you shall be dismissed.”
“But, captain, I have done no wrong; no offence was meant. You know I have been gaoler here more than twenty years, and a steadier, a soberer, or a honester man never was than myself, though I say it.”
“I dare say,” Captain Jack replied, with a grin. “All men are honest till they’re found out; I’m a real saint myself. Ha! ha! Then leave us, I wish to speak to the prisoner alone. Get you gone, turnkey!”
The gaoler left.
Captain Jack and Phillip Redgill were now alone,
The captain took a seat on the edge of the table, and looked at Phillip much like a wild beast who has got his prey firmly in its clutches.