For a moment the two stood staring at one another doubtfully. But as Master Robert slowly perceived the captain’s uniform, his jaw dropped, and a look of horror and consternation crept into his face. "Good Lord!" he gasped, and with a sudden swift movement, his head disappeared from view. But Captain Protheroe was no whit behind him in rapidity of thought or action. Quick as lightning his arm darted over the sacks, and he grasped firmly the tousled hair of the intruder. "Hist, you fool!" he whispered. "All’s well. I’m one of the prisoners myself. Is it a rescue?" Slowly the face reappeared and stared doubtfully at the speaker, then having subjected him to a critical survey, and being at length assured by the captain’s tone and bearing of his good faith, Master Wilcox heaved a sigh of relief, and rubbed the sweat from his forehead. "Phew! What an escape," he muttered. "I made sure you were one of those damned sentries. Yes, ’tis a rescue, but not for you," he continued curtly. "Nevertheless, my friend, I purpose to be one of your party," answered Captain Protheroe coolly, "I and a lady who is here with me." "A lady; what lady is she?" "What is that to thee?" "Nought, only ’tis a lady I am here to aid; Mistress Barbara Winslow." "What! Even so? Why, well met, friend. ’Tis even she of whom I spake. She is sleeping yonder. I will go bring her and we can slip out quietly without rousing the others." Robert eyed him half-doubtfully. "Be speedy then. Every minute is danger, for I know not when the sentries will be round." "True, there’s no time to lose." The two had carried on their conversation in whispers; the other inmates of the shed were undisturbed. Captain Protheroe now went swiftly to Barbara’s side. She was sleeping quietly, her cheek pillowed on her hands. He aroused her gently. "What is it?" she gasped, in sleepy bewilderment. "Freedom," he whispered, smiling down at her. Silently they stole back across the shed, and soon the three stood side by side in the narrow alley outside. "Come!" cried Rob, seizing Barbara’s arm eagerly. "There’s not a moment to lose. Come!" But Barbara was now thoroughly awake. She drew back quickly. "But the others!" she exclaimed. "Surely you will not leave them behind. They are to die to-morrow." Captain Protheroe shook his head. "Mistress Barbara, the risk is too great." "Oh, but that is rank cowardice," she exclaimed angrily. "You may do as you choose, sir, I shall——" He laid a restraining hand upon her arm. "Captain Protheroe," she exclaimed indignantly, eyeing him haughtily. He smiled at her serenely. "Yield to reason, Mistress Barbara. You cannot go back." Barbara turned away angrily, and addressed herself to Rob. "Cannot you go back?" she asked. "Not I, madame," was the ready answer. "You are not safe yet." Barbara sighed, looked at the pair of them contemptuously, and yielded to necessity. "But you can leave the door open," she urged. Rob hesitated.