“‘Humph!’ he responded, in the same gruff tone.
“‘Do good work-women usually hold the needle in the left hand?’
“‘Oh, she works left-handed,’ replied Virgo. Catch a woman off her guard if you can, thought I.
“‘Humph!’ exclaimed the old fellow; and then, while I was busily engaged in sewing my fingers together, and before I could have the slightest idea of what he intended, he snatched the turban off my head.
“‘Ah, ah! you young gallows-bird!’ he cried, in a tone of exultation; ‘I’ve found you, have I? I thought you couldn’t have given me the slip completely. But come along,’ he added, as he clutched me forcibly by the arm. ‘You shall be hanged this time, be assured.’
“‘Not if I can help it, old boy!’ said I, as I tripped up his heels; then, snatching a knife that lay at hand, I put my knee upon his chest, and held the blade over his throat.
“‘Call assistance, you hussey!’ screamed the prostrate jailer to his daughter, who seemed in an agony of terror.
“‘If you speak another word, I’ll cut your throat,’ said I. ‘And you, Virgo, if you don’t wish your father to be killed before your face, which I shall be obliged to do to save myself, you will hand me some rope, with which I can bind him in such a manner as will prevent his giving the alarm before I have escaped.’
“‘Oh, save him!’ she exclaimed earnestly.