m side to side, but Phil had the advantage
of size, and squeezing his adversary till the breath was driven from his
body, he lifted him in his strong arms and dashed him to the floor.

"Great heavens! you've done for him," cried McNeil, kneeling by the
Russian's side. "Look, his neck is broken."

"Then his death be on his own head," gasped Phil. "If I had not killed
him, he would soon have had me shot, and besides, my tumbling down that
chimney would have spoilt all our chances of escape. Now he's dead, and
if we are to get away, it must be done to-night, for should the guards
discover what has happened it will mean little mercy. As likely as not
we should be taken out and shot before half an hour had passed."

"But what about the jailer?" asked McNeil. "We can be sure that he has
heard nothing suspicious or he would have been in here by this. He is
aware, though, that Stackanoff is with me, and he will be waiting
impatiently for his return?"

"Yes, he will be getting impatient before long," mused Phil. "There is
nothing else to be done at present. We will wait till his patience is
exhausted, then my friend and I will knock, and as soon as he comes in
we will collar him."

"It seems desperately risky, but I suppose it is the only way, Western.
If you get hold of him, though, it will save the trouble of climbing
through the chimney, an acrobatic feat which, in my present condition, I
shall not be sorry to be spared."

"Quite so. I had not thought of that, McNeil," said Phil. "Now I will
call Tony. I shall only be gone a few minutes."

Slipping into the chimney, Phil soon regained his own cell.

"Did you hear anything, Tony?" he asked shortly.

"Nothing, mate; but what's been keeping yer so long. You look flurried
too. What's happened?"

Phil explained that Stackanoff was dead.

"We must get away to-night, Tony," he said, with decision, "and first of
all we must capture the jailer. He is to open the door at Stackanoffs
knock, and I propose that we throw ourselves upon him. Now, listen.
After knocking, I will stand behind the door so that he cannot see me,
and will call to him to come in. You will crouch behind me, and bang
the door to. Then we will pull him down and gag him. Bring your
blanket with you."

Meanwhile Pierre had listened anxiously, his ferrety little eyes
shifting from face to face.

"What is this that happens?" he asked eagerly. "Monsieur makes ze
disappearance up ze chimn