aimed. "Something may occur
to deliver us. We must consider, however, what we have to do. I
propose that we first make a tour of inspection round our dominions. It
will give us some occupation, though idleness seems rather encouraged
here."

"I would rather find the way out of our dominions, as you call them,
than become better acquainted with them," said Pedro. "However, I am
ready to set out whenever you please."

"We may possibly find the way out during our inspection," I remarked, as
we began slowly and cautiously to move round the walls of the cell.

It was narrow but long, and extended, as I concluded, along part of one
side of the inner court. We found two other pillars towards the further
end, and we felt several rings secured in the walls, with heavy chains
attached to them. Of their use there could be no doubt; and we
congratulated ourselves that we were still allowed to have our limbs at
liberty. In our walk we stumbled over an iron bar, and our feet knocked
against some other rings attached to stones sunk in the floor.

"So some of the inmates of the mansion have been chained down like
maniacs to the ground," Pedro observed. "We are indeed fortunate in
escaping such treatment."

Though we searched most minutely, we could discover nothing which might
suggest any means of escaping. We had just concluded an examination,
and had returned to our seats, when the door of the dungeon was opened,
and the gaoler appeared, bringing a jar of water and two loaves of brown
bread.

Pedro examined his countenance. "Stop," he exclaimed, as the man was
going away; "Sancho Lopez, I do believe you are an old friend of mine."

"In truth yes, and you saved my life," answered the gaoler. "But I must
not stop--but I must not stop. Be at rest, I do not forget the matter."

Pedro afterwards told me how he had saved the Spanish gaoler's life in a
snow-storm in the mountains, and we agreed that it was a great thing to
have him as our friend.

We had been in the dungeon about a fortnight, and though it was damp and
unwholesome in the extreme, we did not appear to have suffered in
health.

One morning Sancho entered our cell with a cheerful countenance.

"I bring you good news, Senores," he said. "I have just received a
visit from a young officer, who has, it appears, been making interest in
your favour; and he has gained permission for your removal to a more
airy abode. He seemed very anxious about you, and s