e, if he becomes willing to reveal what
I want to know--never mind what it is, that is my affair--come to summon
me at once."

"What methods does your Excellency wish employed?"

"Man, I leave that to you. Am I a master of your filthy trade? Any
method, provided it is effective."

"I don't like the look of him," grumbled the Professor, gnawing at
his short nails. "I have heard about this mad brute; he is capable of
anything."

"Then take the whole guard with you; one naked wretch can't do much
against eight armed men. And, listen; take the young gentleman also, and
let him see what goes on; the experience may modify his views, but don't
touch him without telling me. I have reports to write, and shall stop
here."

"I don't like the look of him," repeated the Professor. "I say that he
makes me feel cold down the back--he has the evil eye; I'd rather begin
with the young one."

"Begone and do what I tell you," said Ramiro, glaring at him fiercely.
"Guard, attend upon the executioner Baptiste."

"Bring them along," grumbled the Professor.

"No need for violence, worthy sir," muttered Martin; "show the way and
we follow," and stooping down he lifted Foy from his chair.

Then the procession started. First went Baptiste and four soldiers, next
came Martin bearing Foy, and after them four more soldiers. They passed
out of the courtroom into the passage beneath the archway. Martin,
shuffling along slowly, glanced down it and saw that on the wall, among
some other weapons, hung his own sword, Silence. The big doors were
locked and barred, but at the wicket by the side of them stood a sentry,
whose office it was to let people in and out upon their lawful business.
Making pretence to shift Foy in his arms, Martin scanned this wicket as
narrowly as time would allow, and observed that it seemed to be secured
by means of iron bolts at the top and the bottom, but that it was
not locked, since the socket into which the tongue went was empty.
Doubtless, while he was on guard there, the porter did not think it
necessary to go to the pains of using the great key that hung at his
girdle.

The sergeant in charge of the victims opened a low and massive door,
which was almost exactly opposite to that of the court-room, by shooting
back a bolt and pushing it ajar. Evidently the place beyond at some time
or other had been used as a prison, which accounted for the bolt on
the outside. A few seconds later and they were locked into the