They were acquainted, and the soldier answered civilly.
"Good morrow to you. As for life and death—why, I believe it is as you say, though I pray the affair may end sans bloodshed. My patience is near gone, however. These men have the devil in them, but, luckily, there is always a traitor to reckon with. Cottrell also found it so."
"I am concerned about one man."
"Then your business can wait, my dear sir; for I am concerned about several thousands. You come at a momentous time. Look yonder. Within eight-and-forty hours my hive would have been empty and my bees swarming—God knows whither."
Commandant Short laboured under excessive emotion. He was very red and excited. His hands continually failed him while he endeavoured to buckle on his sword.
"I desire to learn all you can tell me of Cecil Stark," said Malherb, "and know I must at once."
"In good time. What think you of a tunnel burrowed under those walls? They have done it—scraped a hole clean through! At midnight came a message for me, and in secret I received the news from one of themselves. Two hundred pounds and liberty was his reward."
"Not Stark! You do not say that he turned traitor?"
"The rascal's name cannot be divulged. But at least you shall see the sequel."
"Stark has escaped—I know it."