Clif had nerved himself for the spring; for he knew that Ignacio might have a revolver and that no risks could be taken. But at that instant a dark, shadowy form rose up behind Ignacio. And one of his own iron instruments was raised above his head. It came down with a hissing sound, and then a heavy thud. And Ignacio dropped without a groan, without even a quiver. He lay perfectly motionless. His villainy was at an end. Clif had sprung up as he saw that, and he gave a gasp of joy. Then he sprang toward his deliverer. The shadowy stranger took no notice of him at first, but stooped and picked up the lantern, turning the light of it upon Ignacio. The villain's face was fixed in a look of horror; it made both Clif and the stranger shudder. The latter regarded it for a moment silently. The cadet could not see, but he was fingering a knife, as if undecided what to do. Who his mysterious deliverer was Clif had no idea. The single ray from the lantern did not furnish light enough for him to see anything; and the person had spoken but one word--"Fight." But the cadet's heart was full of gratitude; he sprang toward the stranger. "Who are you?" he cried. "I owe my life to you--let me thank you!" But the other motioned him back, and then for a few moments there was a silence, while both stared at Ignacio's silent form. When the stranger moved it was to point toward the door. "Go," said he to Clif, in a low, whispering voice. "Go; we will leave him here." And with that the mysterious person unlocked the great iron barrier and followed Clif out. The door clanged upon that ghastly scene, and Clif Faraday gave a sigh of relief. Yet there was so much before him that he soon forgot that hideous nightmare. For where was he going? And who was this stranger? And why had he rescued him? And what did he mean to do to Clif? Nothing could be learned in that dark corridor, for Clif could see no more there than inside of the room. But the stranger stumbled on and Clif followed. They came to an iron ladder, leading up to the floor above. Up that the man went, the cadet following; that took them to another long stone passage, dark as ever. On they went, turning and winding about, but still not hesitating. And then suddenly the man halted in front of a grated door. The key was in the lock and the door opened promptly as he turned it. "Enter," said he. Clif went in, and he heard the door shut behind him. It flashed over him then that he had only been taken to another cell. But when he whirled about he saw that the stranger had entered, too. The dark figure brushed past him and went across the room. A moment afterward Clif heard him in the act of striking a match. And then the light of a lamp lit up the little room. By it the eager cadet could see his rescuer, and he stared anxiously. Further secrecy seemed not intended. The stranger faced about and each looked at the other steadfastly.