“So this is where we are to spend the next few years, eh?” said Chester.
“The outlook is not very bright,” replied Hal, “but we shall have to make the best of a bad situation.”
The three began a careful survey of their prison. There were two large windows in the room, looking out into a little court. Through these a dim light streamed. The windows were heavily barred. Hal and Chester tested the bars. Alexis, however, after one look, sat down in deep disgust. If his wounds bothered him any, he did not seem to mind them.
“No chance of escape here,” said Hal, after shaking one of the heavy iron bars.
“I should say not,” agreed Chester, after making a test.
They turned from the windows just as a key grated in the lock of the heavy door, and a man of huge stature, topping the giant frame of Alexis by more than an inch, entered the room.
“Good evening,” he said politely enough. “I have come to see if you require anything. We have been instructed to treat you kindly.”
“A little liberty is about all,” said Hal, with a rueful smile.
“I am sorry,” replied the newcomer, also smiling slightly, “but that is the one thing I cannot grant you. I suppose you wonder who I am?”
The boys nodded.