“How are we going to leave this place?” asked Tom in a low voice.
“By a boat. I don’t know how to manage one, but you do, and the river is high. Now then, we’ve got to run for it. You are not to say a word, for there is to be but one missing, and I’m letting you into my good luck, for I’m thinking that you were put in here unjustly, and some day I’ll tell you all about it.”
Tom was too interested to listen to more, and he hastily asked the way to the boat.
“Oh, it’s all right, but, listen, somebody is coming.”
Saying this, both jumped into their berths, and Arkwright ran again through the corridor.
“I could have sworn that I heard voices,” said he in a whisper. “I suppose I am worried, seeing that boat, but I think some fisherman has left it there.”
Tom and Jim had hardly taken a breath until they heard the re-echoing of the officer’s heavy boots upon the floor.
“Come now,” he said in a low tone, “let’s get out of here.”
“All right.”
“I’ve got to go upstairs,” said Jim slowly, looking at Tom to see what he would say as to the revelation he was going to make. “I have a kid up there, and I’m not going to leave it behind.”