With the coming of dawn, Frank succeeded in getting one hand free. Then it was not long before he was entirely free, and he hastened to release Hodge.
Bart was palpitating with excitement.
“What’ll we do, Merry?” he asked, in a whisper.
“First set the other captives at liberty,” said Frank. “We must work lively.”
“Steady, then,” warned Hodge. “No matter whom you see, do not utter a cry. Here, tie this handkerchief over your face to your eyes.”
“What for?”
“So the captives will not raise a cry when they see you.”
Both boys tied handkerchiefs over their faces, and then Frank approached the door. This was bolted and hasped. There was no lock upon it. It did not take Frank long to shoot back the bolt and release the hasp. Then he slowly opened the door, and looked into the small room beyond.
An old man was sitting helplessly in the corner, and a young girl, pale and wan, with tangled curls of yellow, lay on a bunk. The old man raised his head, and the girl looked up.
Frank recognized them both, and, despite the warning Hodge had given him, came near uttering a shout.