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itchen, were lost to sight. There was a louder burst of talking just now, and as it seemed a favourable opportunity Hilary rose to his feet, passed his hand up the side of the door, and touched the great solid hinges. Trying the other side he was more successful, for his hand came in contact with a huge latch which rattled softly at his touch, and set his heart beating heavily. He paused for a few moments before he tried again, when, proceeding more carefully, he found that the latch rose easily enough; and then as he drew the door towards him it yielded slowly from its great weight; but there was the fact--the way was open for escape, and the place before him was clear. There was nothing to do then but wait, and he was in the act of closing the door and lowering the latch when he heard Sir Henry's voice speaking, and directly after steps in the passage. "Allstone has the keys," said a voice Hilary recognised as that of Sir Henry; "will you go and see him now?" "Look here, Sir Henry," was whispered, "you must get him on our side. The boy would be invaluable. With such an ally on board the cutter we need never fear a surprise." "You are thinking of your smuggling ventures," said Sir Henry contemptuously. "I was thinking as much of your despatches. Why, you could have run them across in safety then. Come, Sir Henry, we won't quarrel about that. He'll be useful to both. Shall I go and see him? I'll wager I'll soon bully or bribe him into agreement." "You don't know your man," said Sir Henry. "Or boy," laughed the skipper. "Give me time and I'll win him," said Sir Henry. "That's what I can't give you," was the reply. "It isn't safe having prisoners here. Suppose the boy escapes. How long should we be before he brings a couple of dozen fellows from the cutter, if they've got so many; and then where shall we be?" "Do you think he could hear what we say?" asked Sir Henry in so low a voice that Hilary had hard work to catch the words. "Bah! not he. That door's six inches thick," said the skipper. "No, Sir Henry, there is no time to lose, and we must win him over, unless you'd rather--" Hilary could not catch the end of what was said, but he suspected what was meant, as he heard Sir Henry utter a sharp exclamation full of anger. "Leave it till to-morrow, and I think I can bring him to our wishes." "That is what you said last time, Sir Henry," replied the skipper insolently. "He
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