ound that Harry's knife and a piece of paper were the only
articles that were attached.

He surmised, therefore, that nothing else was to be sent up, and read
the missive before sending down the cord again. It was short and to the
point this time.

It ran thus:--

"I am writing this in the courtyard below. I have sent up all the
necessary tools; so you need not lower the cord again to-night. It
rests with you now to cut the bars, and it must be done by midnight
to-morrow night or all will be in vain. I shall be here again then, and
will send up a rope thick enough to bear your weight. You must climb
down this, and I will be at the bottom to receive and guide you to
safety. Till to-morrow, farewell!"

When this had been read, it was placed, together with the other two
missives, in the lining of Roger's doublet.

"Now, Harry, lad," the latter whispered, "quick! let us see what there
is in this bundle, and then set to work at once. No sleep to-night, my
lad. When next we sleep we shall either be out of the clutches of the
Inquisition, or--we shall be sleeping the last long sleep of all!"

CHAPTER TWENTY.

HOW ROGER EFFECTED HIS ESCAPE.

On opening the bundle it was found to contain three files, very thin,
extremely sharp, and of wonderful temper. There were also two small
saws, with handles to them, and a bottle of very thick oil, to make the
saws and files cut faster, and also to prevent that harsh, squeaking
sound which usually arises when steel cuts against steel.

The two lads, in their eagerness, snatched the tools from the leather
bag, and, replacing the stools one above the other, mounted them and
began to work swiftly and silently.

"We must remember, Roger," whispered Harry, "that we shall have to
listen very carefully for footsteps coming along that passage, and hide
these tools somewhere at the first sound. Of course, if we were seen
working here, or if the tools were discovered, we might just as well
give up at once, for there would be no hope left."

"You are right, my friend," answered Roger. "But I do not intend that
anybody shall catch us at this work; nor shall they catch sight of the
tools. At the first sound of any person approaching you must jump down
for your life, remove the stools, and sit down and pretend to be asleep.
I will wrap the tools up quickly in their bag, and slip them into my
jerkin. If we are summoned from the cell, and are likely to be
searched, I shall en