"It may be of service to him who has assisted us, in case the fetters disappear as if Seth wore them out of the prison. We will throw them away once we are free, if indeed we ever are."
At this instant the cell-door was opened softly, and the boys heard a hoarse whisper:
"It is time!"
"That is the signal!" Jacob said nervously. "Now, Seth, follow close at my heels. Don't speak to any one, nor show signs of fear. This is the moment when we shall succeed, or find ourselves in a worse plight than before. Are you ready, Enoch?"
"Go on! I'll keep close behind Seth."
The three boys, trembling with suppressed excitement, hardly daring to breathe, stepped out into the corridor with as much boldness as it was possible to assume.
No one could be seen save the sentry at the outer door, and he stood, musket in hand, more like a statue than a living being.
The thought came to Jacob that this guard could not have been the one who gave them the signal, otherwise he would have made some gesture for their guidance, and as they walked straight toward him the boy believed the bold scheme was already a failure.
The soldier remained motionless until Jacob was so near that he could touch him, and then he swung open the heavy door.
Jacob stepped out on the sidewalk almost fearing to turn lest he should see that Seth had been detained.