ne must have struck at us and knocked
us down that hole."

"Yes," I said; "and there's only one `some one' who could have done it."

"That renegade Irishman?"

"Yes," I replied. "It seems like this: he couldn't have got away, but
must have been in hiding here. He couldn't escape the watchfulness of
the sentries, I suppose."

"No; and he must have managed to get that rope to let himself down from
the walls."

"To let himself down into a place where he could hide, I think," was my
reply.

"For both purposes. But what a place to hide in!" said Denham, with a
shudder. "He could not have known what he was doing, or he would not
have gone down."

"I believe he went down and was afraid to stay. Of course he was hiding
somewhere here when we came along with the light."

"And then struck us down. Are you much hurt?"

"I don't know," I replied. "I forgot all about it for the time in the
excitement of trying to escape. How are you?"

"My head hurts me badly now. I believe I was struck with a heavy
stone."

"Of course. That was the wretch's trick, and how he served poor Sam
Wren. Here, let's go to the hospital. I feel as if I want to see the
doctor."

"Yes," said Denham faintly. "I hope he has no more wounded after all
this firing."

Denham rose to his knees in the darkness, and I did the same, bringing
on the giddy feeling once more, so that I was glad to lean against the
wall of the great passage.

"What is the matter?" said my companion.

"Not much; only a bit dizzy," I replied; "and my legs feel so awfully
stiff and strained that I can hardly stand."

"My head swims too," said Denham. "I am glad to lean against the wall.
Ah! Look! here is some one coming with a light."

I uttered a sigh of relief, and then, taking a good deep breath, I gave
a hail which brought half-a-dozen men to us, headed by Sergeant Briggs,
who uttered an ejaculation of surprise as he held up the wagon lantern
he carried and let the light fall on our faces.

"Why, you gents haven't run up against that savage sham Paddy, have
you?" he cried.

"Yes, Sergeant," said Denham, speaking faintly; "and he got the better
of us."

"He has, sir, and no mistake."

"Have you caught him, Briggs?" I asked anxiously.

"No, my lad; I only wish we had. I never saw such shots as our men are!
Wasted no end of cartridges, and not one of 'em hit. Did nothing but
draw the enemy's fire, and they have been answering in the dark. All