u will find in me a
friend, provided you are inclined to be honest.--I have a word to say in
regard to this prisoner; he is my benefactor, having once supplied my
wants when I was in a condition of deep distress. I am grateful to him,
and wish to do him a service. He has been brought before you by the
Captain, for some private wrongs, which have not affected you as a band.
Say, comrades, will you set him free?'

Many of the band seemed inclined to grant this favor; but one, who
possessed much influence, turned the current of feeling against Sydney,
by saying--

'Comrades, listen to me. Though our Captain is conquered, we will not do
him injustice. This man is his prisoner, captured by his hand, and _he_
alone can justly release him. Let the Doctor depart, since he wishes it;
but let the prisoner be kept in custody; to be disposed of as our
Captain may see proper.'

This speech was received with applause by the others. The Doctor knew it
would be useless to remonstrate; approaching Sydney, he whispered--

'Have courage, sir--in me you have a friend who will never desert you. I
shall be constantly near you to aid you at the first opportunity.
Farewell.'

He pressed Sydney's hand, bade adieu to his comrades, and left the
Vaults.

The Dead Man slowly revived; on opening his eyes, his first glance
rested upon his prisoner, and a gleam of satisfaction passed over his
ghastly visage. At his request, two of the band raised him from the
table, and placed him in a chair; then, in a feeble voice, he said--

'Eternal curses on you all, why have you suffered the Doctor to escape?
Hell and fury--my right hand cut off!--But no matter; I shall learn to
murder with the other. Ha, Sydney! you are there, I see; the Doctor may
go, in welcome, since _you_ are left to feel my vengeance. I am too weak
at present to enjoy the sight of your torture, and the music of your
groans. Back to your dungeon, dog; yet stay--the dwarf may kill you, and
thus cheat me of my revenge; it is not safe to confine you with him any
longer. Maggot and Bloodhound, take Sydney and shut him up in the
_Chamber of Death_.'

Two of the worst villains of the gang, who answered to the singular
names of Maggot and Bloodhound, seized Sydney by his arms, and dragged
him along one of the dark passages which branched off from the Vault.
The Dead Man himself followed, bearing a lantern in his only remaining
hand.

They arrived at a low iron door, in which was a grat