The shadowy stranger took no notice of him at first, but stooped and picked up the lantern, turning the light of it upon Ignacio.
The villain's face was fixed in a look of horror; it made both Clif and the stranger shudder.
The latter regarded it for a moment silently. The cadet could not see, but he was fingering a knife, as if undecided what to do.
Who his mysterious deliverer was Clif had no idea. The single ray from the lantern did not furnish light enough for him to see anything; and the person had spoken but one word—"Fight."
But the cadet's heart was full of gratitude; he sprang toward the stranger.
"Who are you?" he cried. "I owe my life to you—let me thank you!"
But the other motioned him back, and then for a few moments there was a silence, while both stared at Ignacio's silent form.
When the stranger moved it was to point toward the door.
"Go," said he to Clif, in a low, whispering voice. "Go; we will leave him here."
And with that the mysterious person unlocked the great iron barrier and followed Clif out. The door clanged upon that ghastly scene, and Clif Faraday gave a sigh of relief.