of the dungeon and ask for the key
to my cell, stating it smells badly and you desire to clean it? He
supposes it empty and will readily loan you the key.'

"Your suggestion is a good one and the odor of your cell will certainly
confirm the declaration. I will do it; but will wear the corselet and
buckle on my sword. If he refuses he is liable to lose both the key and
his head.

"A few minutes later I heard him go out and in less than half an hour he
returned with the key, which he had no trouble in procuring.

"He fitted it into the lock, I heard the bolts turn and a minute later I
stood in the upper cell embracing this morbid, strong-armed friar, who
had proven himself my most loyal friend.

"An hour later he returned the key the locksmith had made for us. I had
the key to the grating in my pocket and felt in the humor to say;
'Friend, come to my home and dine tomorrow night,' though no one knew
better than I that thick, high and well-guarded walls opposed our
freedom. I felt satisfied, however, if not discovered, that within a few
days opportunity would present itself for escape.

"Each night the friar and I, closing fast the outer door, donned our
corselets and helmets, and descending into the noise-deadening dungeon,
practiced at cutting, thrusting and slashing at each other with our
heavy short swords.

"I was surprised at the natural aptitude of the man and his marvelous
quickness and strength of wrist. He was a worthy opponent for me though
for more than fifteen years I had been ranked the best swordsman of Sir
John's army.

"One night we lost ourselves in the interest of our close contest and
made such a noise that it reached the ear of a spy passing the outer
door. He tried to effect an entrance but could not; then knocking, and
so loudly that finally the sound reached us, and doubtless our
neighbors.

"My friend, climbing out, closed the grating, put on his robe and
opening the door admitted the spy. Looking around he discovered the key
in the grating lock and stooping opened the door and peeped down. He saw
nothing in the darkness but the top of a ladder; this he started down,
calling for a light.

"I caught him by the ankles, jerked him to the floor and called to my
friend to close and bolt the grating, which he did. Whereupon I turned
to the spying friar and said; 'Hand me your robe and cowl.' With these
and my sword and helmet I mounted the ladder to the upper cell.

"My friend said, 'What sh