use I don't know whether the gaoler is safe."

"I don't understand you," said the doctor.

"I have written four letters to the British consul," returned Jack,
"and no answer has come."

"Well?"

"Well, sir, I am afraid he has never received the letters."

"Why?"

"Because my name is well known to him, and he would have replied. I
have referred him to the chief banker of the town, who can readily
identify me through my signature. I wish them to communicate with my
father, and, in a word, to show the authorities how utterly ridiculous
and preposterous is the charge against us in spite of appearances."

Jack's earnestness caught his attention.

"They would never dare to keep letters back."

"Money has tempted them, I feel assured."

"Whose money?"

"The money of a spy--a fellow-countryman of ours, who has interest in
keeping me out of the way."

"His name?"

"His real name is Herbert Murray, his assumed name is Markby."

"Markby; I know that name. Of course; he is the principal witness
against you. You say his assumed name?"

"Yes."

"Can you prove it?"

"Easily; if I can get at the means of establishing a defence. It is to
effect this, that I have addressed myself to the consul, but he does
not reply, so that, monstrous and absurd as this charge is, we are
unable to disprove it, simply because here we are tied hand and foot."

"This is very strange."

The doctor, as he spoke, shot them a dubious glance, which did not
escape Jack.

"I tell you, sir, that my father is rich and influential. Moreover, he
is exceedingly liberal in money matters with me. I have not the
slightest need to add to my income by any means whatever, much less
dishonest courses."

"What proof can I offer to the governor?"

"Plenty," returned Jack, eagerly. "Here is my father's address in
England; let him be communicated with immediately. This Markby is an
unscrupulous rascal. He has forged my name to several cheques, and
robbed me. He fears detection, and has built up a cunning plot, using
the coiner, Lenoir, as his cat's paw, and while we are caged here upon
this ridiculous charge, he can get off to another part of the world."

This convinced the prison surgeon completely.

"I will see the governor at once," said he; "meanwhile, see that your
obstinate old friend attends to my instructions, and he will soon be
well."

"Excuse me, doctor," said Jack, "but the honest truth is that he is not
ill at all."

"Not ill!"