“All right!” answered Vale as he stretched his hand out through the opening to be grasped by the hardy blacksmith.
“You have done better than I thought you would, and if they give us half an hour, or even a quarter, it will go hard but that you once more regain your liberty.”
The quarter of an hour was destined to be granted, and, though the work was done noiselessly enough, yet, at the expiration of that time, under the vigorous wrist of the blacksmith the bar was severed.
“Wait a moment,” said Simon, “the ladder does not seem to be over-strong and may not bear two of us.”
Hunt descended to the ground, and, in a moment more Vale stood beside him. The spot where the two stood was in a garden, upon which one side of the prison looked, and which belonged to one of the most influential men in the city. Making their way carefully along, passing through another garden, they reached an alley. Hunt gave a low whistle, received an answer, and, vaulting over the fence, two horses were found there in waiting, held by a man—his features could not be made out in the darkness.
Vale turned to his companion, in doubt: “Mr. Hunt,” said he, “you seem to be well provided. Whose horses are these? Hardly yours, and yet they could hardly have come from the British.”
“They are yours as much as mine, though they did not come from the British. They were furnished me by an influential and rich man who has found it necessary to conceal his patriotic proclivities. But into the saddle with you! If Nat Ernshaw has been successful, there is one waiting for you whom you much long to see.”
“My sister?” said John excitedly, as he vaulted into his saddle.
“Yes, your sister; but follow me. I attend you in the ride to-night; and henceforth until this war is ended, and the colonies have gained their independence, I shall be found fighting for my country.”
Following close behind, Vale stopped when his guide stopped, and the two remained perfectly silent for a moment. The sound of a horse’s steps were distinctly heard. Nearer and nearer they came, then a whistle, to which Hunt replied, and the approaching horseman was soon by the side of the two.