away. If all goes smoothly, we shall
do it. But suppose we are caught?--and there are a good many chances
against us, you'll allow."

"We can but be shut up again. Even if they were to flog us, we could
stand it well enough; and as to the pain, that would be nothing, and it
would not be like being flogged for breaking the articles of war, or
doing anything against the law. I should call it an honourable
flogging, and should not mind showing the scars, if any remained," said
Bill.

"I'm your man, and the sooner we set about turning our sheets and
blankets into a rope the better," exclaimed Jack, enthusiastically. "If
we are caught and punished ever so much, we must not mind it."

"Stop a bit," said Bill. "Perhaps the red-haired colonel may pay us a
visit before nightfall. We must not be caught making preparations for
our escape; that would be a green trick."

"I hope if they come they'll bring us some supper," said Jack. "I am
pretty sharp set already; and if the mounseers should have stolen the
grub out of our chest, we should have nothing to eat on our voyage."

"I have been thinking too much about going away to feel hungry," said
Bill. "But now you talk of it, I should like some food, and I hope
they'll bring enough to last us for a day or two. Now, I say, it's
getting dark, and we must fix upon the best spot to lower ourselves down
to. You listen at the door lest any one should come up suddenly, and
I'll examine the windows and settle the best plan."

Bill, however, first went to the bed, examined the blankets and sheets
and mattress, and found, to his satisfaction, that below all were two
thick pieces of canvas, drawn together by a rope. The rope, though
rather thin, would, he was satisfied, bear their light weights. It
might take them half an hour or so to twist the various materials up
into a rope, and altogether would give them one of ample length for
their purpose.

This discovery greatly raised the boys' spirits and hopes of success.

Bill now went to the window, and found that the grass came close up to
the walls of the tower underneath. Even should they fall from a
considerable height, they might have the chance of not breaking their
bones, and that was some satisfaction. An iron bar extended from the
top of the window to the bottom in the centre. He felt it, and it was
strong as need be. It would do well for securing their rope. As far as
he could judge, there was no window under t