They could hear noisy tones of anger, which denoted that something unusual had occurred.
"There are several people there," said Harry, listening intently at the stone.
"By Jove! how I should like to give them a cheer."
"Keep quiet," exclaimed Harry. "You will ruin us."
But, by a mere chance, he was wrong there.
Had young Jack really indulged in his propensity of devilment on this occasion, it would have saved them many hours of mental anguish and of bodily suffering, for the angry words uttered in the cell but lately tenanted by the two boys were spoken by Jack Harkaway the elder?
Yes.
Cruel fate was playing them a sad trick.
They were now actually fleeing from their father and protector.
The voice raised in anger, and whose echo came but feebly to them in their hiding-place, was his.