"Perhaps," sighed poor Anton. "But it is too late to think of that, and no one in the world can help me now."
"Oh," answered the lizard, "one should never give up hope. Since I could get into the castle prison, we shall manage to get you out." And with that the tiny creature rustled away in the darkness.
A minute or two after, little Anton saw something black against the barred window. It squeezed itself between the bars and dropped with a thump to the floor.
"Here am I," chattered the squirrel, hopping to Anton. "What foolishness has been going on here?"
"As you see," replied Anton, "I am captured and bound, and in the morning I am to die."
"Oh, in the morning!" said the squirrel. "It is a long time to morning. Much can happen before the sun gets up again."
"But I cannot stir hand or foot," said Anton. "Don't you see how they have tied my hands behind my back?"
"Oh, yes! I see that well enough," replied the squirrel, opening his big eyes wider than ever. "Where are the knots?" And with one jump he was on Anton's back, beginning immediately to gnaw at the knots with his small pointed teeth. He bit and pulled at the rope so that his little body shook with the effort; and it was not long before Anton felt the loosening at his wrists and afterward at his ankles. All at once the ropes fell off and he was free.
"Oh, you blessed little animal!" said Anton, hugging and kissing the squirrel. "Now I am a free person again, and not a tied-up bundle!"
"Yes, but there is still the high, barred window," said the squirrel. "We must have the dove's help now." And he sprang up to the window and vanished through it.