"Good! You could not expect a chest of tools; the jailer searched me thoroughly. Untie that little file from the hair. Can you do it?"
"I think so."
"I tied it quite firmly for fear it would fall out. Do not be afraid of pulling my hair, but do not pull the wig off. You may take both hands,—the turnkey is not paying any attention,—as if you were arranging your old uncle's coat collar."
"I'll have it in a moment. There!"
"Slip this up your sleeve, my colonel. Now a few questions and remarks. How many bars has your window?"
"Four."
"How long will it take you to file them all?"
Tournay considered. "We could only work in any safety in the middle of the night, perhaps four hours in the twenty-four."
"How long do you think it will take you to cut through the four bars?"
Tournay thought for a moment. "We can work only at intervals in the dead of night," he replied, "so it may take several days."