k nor food nor anything with which to make
good cheer.

Whereat one of the party pulled out a box of dice, and for lack of
better sport they began to play.

Meanwhile, I watched my comrade, who, on entering, had thrown himself on
the floor, and composed himself as if to sleep. But though he lay with
his head on his hands, it was plain to see he was not dreaming; for the
muscles of his face were working, and his body once or twice seemed
exercised as with some effort. What this was, I guessed soon enough.
He was gnawing the cord which bound his wrists; whereupon I set-to do
the same, and, in a quarter of an hour I was free. Already my comrade
had signalled to me that he was rid of his bonds, but warned me to give
no sign, but wait the signal from him. So we both lay still, and I, the
better to keep up the part, snored long and loud.

Our keepers, meanwhile, gave us no heed, but played deep and eagerly.
We could hear by the growls and oaths that kept company with the rattle
of the dice, that the luck was not going even. One of the three won the
throw, time after time, and crowed so loud at each success, that the
others (as was only natural), turned first surly, then angry. But the
winner heeded not their wrath, but continued to cackle insultingly,
until their patience being all spent, they knocked over the table, and
fell to blows. Now, surely, thought I, is the time for us. But my
comrade still lay low, and signed to me to do the same. For we were
unarmed, and had we been too soon, all had been spoiled.

The fight that followed was short and sharp. The single man held his
own for a few minutes, but fell at last, borne down by superior numbers
and a stab in the thigh from one of his assailants. Then, when in
dismay, the two dropped their daggers and knelt to see if he were dead
or alive, my comrade gave the signal, and we sprang at one bound to our
feet. In a moment the two men were in our grip, and at our mercy, and
so taken aback were they by our sudden attack, that they cried quarter,
even without a struggle, and let themselves be bound with the cords of
which we just now rid.

As for the third, he was wounded, though not badly, and we left him
unfettered. Then arming ourselves with a cross bow apiece (the spoils
of war), and our own blades, we locked the door on our keepers, and bade
them farewell. One thing troubled me in our escape, which was this,
that my nag (or rather, Master Udal's), and my cl