seldom out of my thoughts. I used to wonder if he were still alive,
and how situated; whether he was yet a convict going forth in chains to
daily toil, or a "ticket-of-leave" man working at some settlement in the
"Bush." Did he ever think of me? Did he ever dream of his native land,
or wish to return to it? And what prospect of escape did fortune hold
out to him? That, after all, was the great link which bound him to my
thoughts! Was there any silent and sympathizing Dutchman to take pity on
his captivity?

At the close of the fifth week, I had the inestimable pleasure of
"reporting the breach practicable," or, in less sounding phrase, of
assuring myself that the middle bar of the window was removable at will,
and thus a free egress was permitted me to an extensive terrace,
which, with a low parapet, overlooked the bay for miles. This was about
five-and-twenty feet from the ground, and was guarded beneath by a
sentry, one of a chain of sentinels, whose "watch" extended around
the entire fortress. The descent and the guard were then the only
difficulties which now remained to be overcome,--so far, at least, as
mere liberation from the prison walls extended. I am sure I invented
at least fifty choice stratagems which afterthought always showed were
perfectly worthless. I bethought me of bribing the sentry with the few
gold pieces which I still possessed; but what security had I that he
might not resist the seduction, or betray me even after receiving the
money?

The fall, too, was considerable; nor was there anything to which I could
attach my bedclothes to lower myself to the ground. It must be "a drop;"
and what a situation should I be in were I to break a bone, or even
sprain my ankle in the effort! Alas! I now perceived that although the
most laborious portion of my work was accomplished, the most difficult
still remained to be done.

The obstacles to mere escape were sufficiently great to prevent me
even thinking of the course to be pursued after I reached the ground
in safety, for I was without friend, shelter, passport, or any means of
disguise or concealment whatever.

I pondered long and carefully over the question; and already had two
dreary weeks passed over since I had cut through the bar, and yet, so
far as I could see, no nearer to liberation than when the solid iron
enclosed me. My mind began to sink under the fatigue of unceasing
contrivance, and a dreamy, dreary sense of hopelessness seemed gaining