"D'you grudge me that much?"
"No, no, Jack; but consider—her lover. Yes—I'm that now, thank God."
"This was what I could do for her and you could not. She is out of danger now, and will be for a week—not longer."
"In less time than that my work here is done and we shall be free," answered Stark. "Then 'tis my turn; then I must——"
"The tunnel will be through in less than four days—perhaps three," interrupted John. "Knapps works eighteen hours a day and I do my stint. He's made of iron. By night we get rid of the soil; by day we work while my grandmother keeps guard. When the time comes, we shall knock out the side of the cottage so that the open door shall be as large as possible."
With difficulty Stark brought his mind back to this great matter.
"She—yes—the exit must be as wide as you can make it. We are planning the final stroke. At best it will take some hours, however good our method and discipline. The danger of alarm is manifest—also the danger of false alarm and panic."
"You deserve to succeed. You have great authority over men."
"My obligations cease when I take my turn with my fellows and come through the tunnel. It is each man for himself then. But I have given my word to depart no other way. Then! How shall I pay you for all I owe you, Jack?"
"Name that no more. You cannot. She will pay me. Her future happiness is my payment."