to learn whether any come in,
or if our exceedingly good friend goes out."

Then he set about making ready the meal, in which work every
convenience, including a spit, was to be found near the fire-place, and
meanwhile talking so loudly regarding his hunger and our good fortune in
finding so secure a hiding-place, that Master Lord himself must have
been able to hear distinctly some of his words.

Because he gave no warning that we should remain silent, were my
suspicions regarding his loyalty increased, for if peradventure our
presence there must be kept a profound secret from everybody, then
should he have checked Hiram, since in event of a Tory or a lobster back
entering the building, our comrade's voice would be heard.

However, I went to that part of the room as nearly under the door of the
building as I could judge, and there took my station as Hiram directed,
feeling certain now that he had in mind some plan for the discovery of
Master Lord's real intention.

I had not been thus endeavoring to play the eavesdropper above half an
hour, and the leg of lamb on the spit was sending forth a most
appetizing odor, when I distinctly heard the door above open, and then
came to my ears the footfalls of at least two, whom I judged to be men
because of the heaviness with which they stepped.

Immediately afterward, and while we could hear the subdued hum of voices
above, Hiram whispered to Archie that he and Harvey should attend to the
cooking of the meat, then tapping me on the shoulder with a gesture
which I understood meant for me to follow.

Moving cautiously, in marked contrast to the loud tones in which he had
spoken a few moments previous, Hiram began at the end of the cellar
which was nearest the street, making a careful examination of the walls
as if seeking some means of outlet, I copying his every movement.

Heavy logs, laid up with as much care as one would bestow in building
the sides of a house, formed this refuge of ours, and I was saying to
myself that if my comrade had any hope of finding a means of leaving the
place without knowledge of Master Lord, then was he doomed to
disappointment, when we were come to the fire-place, on one side of
which stood mayhap half a dozen casks, as if carelessly stacked there
out of the way.

Hiram motioned for me to bear a hand, and one by one we moved the casks.
Setting each down upon the beaten earth which formed the floor so that
not the slightest noise would be mad