several times imprisoned for political offences,
and this book contains an account of the manner in which he succeeded,
in some cases after years of labor, in breaking from his dungeon. His
feats in this way are truly wonderful, and, if not true, at least they
have so very much similitude that they find no difficulty in winning the
reader's credence.

Such was the book which Foley placed in Jack's hands. He must have been
in ignorance of the character of the book, since it was evident to what
thoughts it would lead the mind of the prisoner.

Jack read the book with intense interest. It was just such a one as he
would have read with avidity under any circumstances. It gratified his
taste for adventure, and he entered heart and soul into the Baron's
plans, and felt a corresponding gratification when he succeeded. When he
completed the perusal of the fascinating volume, he thought, "Why cannot
I imitate Baron Trenck? He was far worse off than I am. If he could
succeed in overcoming so many obstacles, it is a pity if I cannot find
some means of escape."

He looked about the room in the hope that some plan might be suggested.

CHAPTER XXI. THE PRISONER ESCAPES.

TO give an idea of the difficulties of Jack's situation, let it be
repeated that there was but one door to the room, and this was bolted
on the outside. The room was in the second story. The only two windows
looked out upon a court. These windows were securely fastened. Still a
way might have been devised to break through them, if this would at all
have improved his condition. Of this, however, there seemed but little
chance. Even if he had succeeded in getting safely into the court, there
would have been difficulty and danger in getting into the street.

All these considerations passed through Jack's mind, and occasioned
him no little perplexity. He began to think that the redoubtable
Baron Trenck himself might have been puzzled, if placed under similar
circumstances.

At length this suggestion occurred to him: Why might he not cut a hole
through the door, just above or below the bolt, sufficiently large for
him to thrust his hand through, and slip it back? Should he succeed in
this, he would steal down stairs, and as, in all probability, the key
would be in the outside door, he could open it, and then he would be
free.

With hope springing up anew in his heart, he hastened to the door and
examined it. It was of common strength. He might, perhaps, h