“Orders from your captain!” said Humphrey, flushing.
“To say that he is waiting for your answer, sir.”
“My answer, man? I gave him my answer.”
“And that he can wait any time; but a message from you that you want to see him will bring him here.”
“There is no other answer,” said Humphrey, coldly.
“Better not say that,” said Bart, after standing gazing at the prisoner for some time.
“What do you mean?” cried Humphrey, haughtily.
“Don’t know. What am I to say to the captain?”
“I have told you. There is no answer,” said Humphrey, coldly, and he turned away, but lay listening intently, for it struck him that he had heard a rustle in the great stone corridor without, as if someone had been listening; but the thick carpet-like curtain fell, and he heard no more, only lay watching the faint rays of light which descended through the dense foliage of the trees, as some breeze waved them softly, far on high, and slightly relieved the prevailing gloom.
Bart’s visit had started a current of thought which was once more running strongly when Dinny entered with a basket of the delicious little grapes which grew wild in the sunny open parts of the mountain slopes.