"Sapristie, comrade, I began to think I was going to be kept all night at my post, and that everyone had ridden out with that party that started, half an hour ago.
"Now, then, the orders are: 'Permit no one to approach. Refuse even to allow officers to visit the prisoner, without a special order of the governor.' That is all.
"Now I am off for a tankard of spiced wine, which I think I have earned well, for it is a good hour after my time of relief."
Then Philip heard his footsteps descending the stairs, while the man who had relieved him walked briskly up and down in front of the door. In a minute or two he stopped, then Philip turned with a start from the window at which he was standing, as he heard through the keyhole a loud whisper:
"Monsieur Philip, are you asleep? It is I!"
"Why, Pierre!" he exclaimed, running to the door and putting his mouth to the keyhole; "how did you come here?"
"I will tell you that later, master. The thing is now to get you out. The bolts here are easy enough to draw, but this lock puzzles me. I have brought up two thin saws and an auger, and thought to cut round it; but there is a plate of iron outside."
"And there is one inside too, Pierre. How about the hinges, Pierre?"
"There is no doing anything with them, master. The ironwork goes right across the door. There is nothing for it, but to cut right round the iron plate."
"That won't take very long, if the saws are good, Pierre."