g tarrying of the fleet, that the English admiral would arrive;
and that he should be able to go on board, and so rejoin his
countrymen. This expectation, indeed, it was which had prevented
Ned and Tom making their escape, when they could have done so, and
taking to the mountains; for it was certain that some time, at
least, would elapse before stringent measures would be taken
against them. Another effort would, without doubt, be made to
persuade them to abandon their religion; and every day might bring
with it the arrival of the English vessels.

The young men were conducted to a dark and sombre building, which
bore the appearance of a vast monastery. The interior was even more
dismal in its appearance than the walls without. A solitary figure
met them at the doorway. Their guards entered, and the gates were
closed behind.

The officer in charge handed to the newcomer a paper; and the
latter, receiving it, said, "I accept the charge of the prisoners,
and your duties are at an end, concerning them."

Motioning them to follow, he led them through some long dark
corridors, into a room much better furnished and provided than they
had expected. Here, placing a lamp upon the table, and pointing to
two manchets of bread and a vessel of water, which stood on the
table; and to two truckle beds, in the corner of the room, he left
them without a word. Ned had already agreed with his companion that
they would not, when once within the building, say a word, to each
other, which they would not have heard by their jailors; for they
were well aware that these buildings were furnished with listening
places, and that every word which prisoners said would be
overheard, and used against them. They comforted themselves,
therefore, with general observations as to their voyage, and to the
room in which they now were; and to the hopes, which they
entertained, that their judges would take a favorable view of their
conduct.

Then, with a sincere prayer to God, to spare them through the
dangers and trials which they might have to undergo, they lay down
for the night; and, such is the elasticity and strength of youth,
they were, in spite of the terrible position in which they were
placed, in a few minutes fast asleep.

The next day the door of the apartment opened, and two attendants,
dressed in black from head to foot, and bearing white wands,
entered, and motioned to them to follow them. Through more long
corridors and passages they we