But the candles spluttering fitfully upon the walls, and the periodic visits of the gaolers with food and drink, by these had the prisoners managed to maintain some cognizance of what hour it was outside their walls. Thus, at the middle watch of the night, his campaign mapped out and approved by hastily-selected lieutenants, Ramey Winters waited feverishly by the outer door of the dungeon. So long he had crouched at this post, so long counted the beat of his pulse in eager expectation, that it seemed to him the hour of appointment must have long since passed. But at last his vigil was rewarded. There came the clanking of harness, the rasp of sandaled feet on harsh stone, and the voice of Captain Thalakka. "Warder!" "Aye? What is it? Who calls?" The shuffling footsteps of the gaoler. "Ah, you again, Captain? What is it?" "A meeting of all prison guards," said the Videlian, "on the fourth level. I have come to relieve you so you may attend. You may hand over the keys." A long silence. Then: "Mighty unusual!" declared the warder. "Nothing like this ever happened before!" "These are unusual times. Nothing like an invasion of Lanka was ever attempted before. But the monkey-warriors of Sugriva are even now assembled on the mainland shore, and our defense measures must be studied." "Say you so!" There came the jangle of metal passing from one hand to another. "Invasion, eh? Well, I'll be running along, then. I'll have more prisoners to take care of when this is over, eh, captain?" And giggling evilly, the warder shuffled away. Another slow century dripped by before his footsteps disappeared in the distance. Then came the swift whisper of Captain Thalakka: "My Lord? My Lord Ramaíya?" "We are here," Ramey whispered back. "All three of us. Open swiftly!" * * * * * The key grated in the lock, the door swung open, and momentarily blinded by the lights of the corridor, Ramey elbowed forward to freedom. Behind him came Sheng-ti, then Vibhishana, then-- Captain Thalakka so far forgot himself as to loose a little cry. "But--but what is this, Lord Ramaíya! Behind you! The prisoners! This I cannot allow! No! For you, to whom I owe my life, I have risked much that you might escape. But not even for you can I betray the fortress, my Lord Ravana and my comrades-in-arms--" But a taller, slimmer figure brushed past Ramey Winters to confront the protesting soldier. And: "Nor even for _me_, Captain?" asked Vibhishana gently. The warrior stared. Just for a moment. Then a look of humility, in which was strangely mingled joy, flooded into his eyes. He went to one knee. "My Lord!" he breathed. "My Lord Vibhishana! Is it thy will this should be permitted?" "Not only my will," said Vibhishana firmly, "but my determination. The hour for vengeance has struck. Tell me, my captain--how many of the old guard stand ready to strike a blow for honor and the elder suzerainty?"