Parkington nodded. It was clever of Brandon to lock the irons and leave the key where it likely would be found.
"Then he must be small-boned and small-jointed. I have heard of men who could slip the irons in that way," remarked Plater.
"I think not—they seemed to fit him very close—in fact, he complained of them pinching him."
"Like enough!" laughed Plater. "Another proof that they were loose."
"Where was the guard—asleep?" asked Marbury.
"No, not asleep—dead! dead! with his own knife buried in his breast."
"When did you discover that Long-Sword was missing?"
"A little after day-break. I sent every man ashore on the search. I did not come here, until it was proved he had escaped."
"How did he get ashore?"