“I don't know but you are right,” said Mr. Carroll. “Perhaps it will be well to put my watch in the same place.”
“Yes, sir; I think it would be well.”
“You see, Herbert,” continued the old gentleman, “how much confidence I repose in you. Knowing where my watch and money are, it would be very easy for you to secure both, and leave me here, destitute and helpless.”
“But you don't think there is any danger of my doing so?”
“No,” said the old gentleman. “Though our acquaintance is so recent, I feel great confidence in you. As I cannot see the face, I have learned to judge of the character by the tone of the voice, and I am very much mistaken if you are not thoroughly honest and trustworthy.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert, his face flushed with pleasure at this evidently sincere commendation. “You shall not repent your confidence.”
“I am sure of that, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, kindly. “But I must bid you good-night. This has been a fatiguing day, and I shall lose no time in getting to sleep.”
“Good-night. I hope you will sleep well, sir,” said Herbert. “There won't be much sleep for me,” he thought.
Mr. Carroll lay down, and his deep, tranquil breathing soon assured our hero that he was asleep. He rose from his bed and examined the windows. All but one were provided with fastenings. But the one on the right-hand side of his bed could be raised from the outside without difficulty.
“I wish I had a nail,” thought Herbert. “I could soon make it fast.”