He had heard several doors slam.
Doubtless the doughty general and his lovely ward had sallied forth to board the blockade runner that was to take them across the ocean.
Roderic sighed to think he would not see her again for, Heaven alone knew how long.
Never mind, he had experienced a foretaste of Paradise on this evening which he would have considered cheaply purchased had he been compelled to meet ten times as many difficulties in order to win it.
It had brightened his life and given him something blessed for which to live.
Filled with zeal, as though inspired to prove himself worthy of the dear girl who had so readily forgiven his cruel desertion because of the great love she bore him, Owen arose.
First of all he stretched himself, as though feeling of his strength.
He had resolved to bend his energies upon the door of the subterranean prison, as offering the best possible opportunity for escape.
So he groped his way to the stone steps and made his way upward.
At length he touched the door.