"I'll lie low for a day or so," he resolved. "It will give me time to find out what routine is carried out. If they don't inspect the cells during the night I'll be able to work unmolested. If they do, by Jove! it will be a risky business."
Just then came the sound of men's footsteps along the stone passage. Planting his ear against the door Hamerton listened intently. Again he was unrewarded, for not a word was spoken by the men without. A door was unlocked, slammed, and locked again, and the sound of footsteps grew fainter and fainter.
A little later a couple of soldiers entered the Sub's cell. One of them remained just inside the threshold, the other placed an earthenware plate containing a piece of black bread and a morsel of cheese upon the bed and a jug of water on the floor.
"Look here," said Hamerton, looking disdainfully at the frugal repast and addressing the men in their own language; "is this the best I am to have?"
"Ja," was the stolid reply.
"I've money. There's a fairly large sum belonging to me on the yacht. Can't I have food sent in to me from outside?"
"Ja."
"Will you let me have paper and pencil so that I can ask the commandant?"
"Ja."
"Very good; I'll give you a sovereign—that's equal at least to twenty marks."