“Oh, that’s all right,” cried Lermontoff breezily, “If it is within your power to allow me to come and give you some lessons in electricity and the care of dynamos, I shall be very glad to do so.”
To this offer the Governor made no reply, but he went on still in German.
“I shall transfer you to cell Number One, which is not only more comfortable, but the water there is pure. Did you say you spoke English?”
“Yes, quite as well as I do Russian.”
The Governor continued, with nevertheless a little hesitation: “On the return of the steamer there will be an English prisoner. I will give him cell Number Two, and if you don’t talk so loud that the gaoler hears you, it may perhaps make the day less wearisome.”
“You are very kind,” said Jack, rigidly suppressing any trace of either emotion or interest as he heard the intelligence; leaping at once to certain conclusions, nevertheless. “I shan’t ask for anything more, much as I should like to mention candles, matches, and tobacco.”
“It is possible you may find all three in Number One before this time to-morrow;” then in Russian the Governor said to the goaler:
“See if Number One is ready.”
The gaoler departed, and the Governor, throwing open a drawer in his table, took out two candles, a box of matches, and a packet of cigarettes.
“Put these in your pocket,” he said. “The cell door opens very slowly, so you will always know when the gaoler is coming. In that case blow out your light and conceal your candle. It will last the longer.”