Presently the jailer entered with a suit of convict's clothes and some breakfast.
"Eat and dress," he said.
"Certainly," replied Jack; "but let me ask you a few questions."
"Be brief."
"Am I a convict?"
"You are."
"Is there no appeal? Cannot I communicate with the English or American Consul?"
"No time for that," replied the jailer. "In half an hour the chain-gang starts for the mines, and you are one of them."
"For heaven's sake, do something for me!"
The jailer shook his head.