"'I could not have believed that my brother would have acted such a base part. I did not think him wicked, although I knew him to be selfish, mean, and stern, yet I did not think he intended such wickedness; but he thinks to rob me of all my property; yes, that is the object he has in sending me here.'
"'No doubt,' said I.
"'Shall I ever get out?' she inquired, in a pitiful tone; 'do not say my life is to be spent here!'
"'Indeed it is,' said I; 'while he lives, you will never leave these walls.'
"'He shall not attain his end, for I have deeds about me that he will never be able to obtain; indeed, he may kill me, but he cannot benefit by my death.'
"'Well,' said I, 'it serves him right. And how did you manage that matter? how did you contrive to get the deeds away?'
"'Never mind that; it is a small deed, and I have secured it. I did not think he would have done this thing; but he may yet relent. Will you aid me? I shall be rich, and can pay you well.'
"'But your brother,' said I.
"'Oh, he is rich without mine, but he is over-avaricious; but say you will help me—only help me to get out, and you shall be no loser by the affair.'
"'Very well,' said I. 'Will you give me this deed as a security that you will keep your word?'