m of how time pressed, he went on.

Within three steps of the bottom were they, and they could almost
distinguish what was being said in the room, when Crispin stopped, and
turning his head to attract Kenneth's attention, he pointed straight
across the hall to a dimly visible door. It was that of the chamber
wherein he had been brought before Cromwell. Its position had occurred
to him some moments before, and he had determined then upon going that
way.

The lad followed the indication of his finger, and signified by a nod
that he understood. Another step Galliard descended; then from the
guardroom came a loud yawn, to send the boy cowering against the wall.
It was followed by the sound of someone rising; a chair grated upon the
floor, and there was a movement of feet within the chamber. Had Kenneth
been alone, of a certainty terror would have frozen him to the wall.

But the calm, unmovable Crispin proceeded as if naught had chanced; he
argued that even if he who had risen were coming towards the door, there
was nothing to be gained by standing still. Their only chance lay now in
passing before it might be opened.

They that walk through perils in a brave man's company cannot but gain
confidence from the calm of his demeanour. So was it now with Kenneth.
The steady onward march of that tall, lank figure before him drew him
irresistibly after it despite his tremors. And well it was for him that
this was so. They gained the bottom of the staircase at length; they
stood beside the door of the guardroom, they passed it in safety. Then
slowly--painfully slowly--to avoid their steps from ringing upon the
stone floor, they crept across towards the door that meant safety to Sir
Crispin. Slowly, step by step, they moved, and with every stride Crispin
looked behind him, prepared to rush the moment he had sign they were
discovered. But it was not needed. In silence and in safety they were
permitted to reach the door. To Crispin's joy it was unfastened. Quietly
he opened it, then with calm gallantry he motioned to his companion to
go first, holding it for him as he passed in, and keeping watch with eye
and ear the while.

Scarce had Kenneth entered the chamber when from above came the sound
of loud and excited voices, announcing to them that their flight was at
last discovered. It was responded to by a rush of feet in the guardroom,
and Crispin had but time to dart in after his companion and close the
door ere the troopers pou