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