," he replied
with a certain air of content.

It was well I had not been looked upon as the leader of our little
company, otherwise we might have come to grief even before we had well
made a start toward arming ourselves against the possible treachery of
Master Lord.

I would have continued the work which was begun by making the
apertures, in the rubbish hole, regarding not the possibility of an
interruption; but should have hardly more than have commenced before our
host returned, when most-like everything might have been discovered.

As it was, thanks to Hiram's precaution, we four were seated at the
table in a most comfortable manner, as if having nothing on our minds
save pleasure, when Job Lord, who must have come into the house with the
utmost caution in order to learn what we might be about, raised the
trap-door suddenly, peering down before venturing to descend.

There was no question after this but that he was minded to make certain
we followed his advice, and thus sneaking into the house like a spy to
catch us unawares was further proof that he meditated mischief.

For the life of me I could not have greeted the scoundrel in a friendly
tone; but Hiram hailed him as if believing he was our best friend, and
asked in a jovial tone that he come down and partake of the sumptuous
dinner.

Master Lord looked well content with himself, which meant that he was
satisfied we were minded to do as he bade us, when he descended the
ladder and took seat in a most affable manner at the table.

"I have been out on your business," he said, helping himself to a slice
of roasted lamb.

"And I dare venture to say you have done more in an hour than we four
could have accomplished in a full week," Hiram added genially.

"Well, I may say we have got along famously this day," Master Lord
replied in a jolly tone. "Thanks to my acquaintance among the lobster
backs, and their belief that I am devoted heart and soul to the king, it
has been possible for me to enter that part of the Bridewell where the
prisoners taken at Breed's hill are confined."

"Did you see Silas?" Harvey asked eagerly.

"There was but one boy in the place, and if so be your comrade is
prisoner here, then have I seen him. It would have been ill advised had
I attempted to get speech with him, because I was there professedly out
of motives of curiosity, and took good care not to arouse suspicion by
talking with any of the so-called rebels."

"Is the guard