A couple of hours or more passed, when Polly knocked at the door, and said that Miss O’Regan would be glad to see them.
“I have been thinking more than ever about my poor father,” she said, “and I cannot help fearing from the remarks let drop by the gaoler’s wife, that he must be very ill. I have in vain begged her to let me go and see him—can you think of any plan by which I may do so? If the old lady would take me down into the common cell, I would gladly consent to be shut up with him.”
“Perhaps by putting our heads together we may hit upon some plan for getting the colonel up here to see you,” answered Tom. “That would be much better, for you can have no idea of the set of ruffians you would have to meet in the lower prison, and I am very sure that the colonel would not allow you to be among them.”
All sorts of schemes were discussed. The chief hope was that they might work on the feelings of the gaoler’s wife, who was evidently well disposed towards them. They had been talking for some time when, hearing footsteps coming along the passage, the midshipmen hurried back to their own room. Instead of the gaoler, however, as the door opened, a party of soldiers with fixed bayonets appeared.
“What can these fellows want?” exclaimed Archy.
The soldiers forthwith marched into the room, and, without speaking, began to fasten the midshipmen’s arms behind them.
“This doesn’t look pleasant,” cried Tom. “I say, you fellows, what are you about?”
The soldiers made no reply, but continued lashing their aims.
Four, in the meantime, had walked up to the corner where they expected to find the other prisoners; their astonishment was very great when they found instead only some heaps of straw. They talked for a minute together, casting looks at Tom and Archy which betokened no good-will. One of them having gone out came back with the gaoler, who began questioning them, though, as they scarcely understood a word he said, they were not very well able to give lucid replies. They, of course, guessed, however, that he was making inquiries as to what had become of their companions.
“They will be back soon, I dare say,” said Tom. “If you will let us wait till then we shall be much obliged to you.”