No ordinary cellar was constructed that could restrain a man of his ability for any great length of time. An occasional flash from a match kept him informed as to the flight of time. These brief periods of illumination also gave him some conception as to his surroundings, and he was thus enabled to figure as to what shape his action should take in order to bring the most speedy results. At length all seemed to become quiet above. He had heard several doors slam. Doubtless the doughty general and his lovely ward had sallied forth to board the blockade runner that was to take them across the ocean. Roderic sighed to think he would not see her again for, Heaven alone knew how long. Never mind, he had experienced a foretaste of Paradise on this evening which he would have considered cheaply purchased had he been compelled to meet ten times as many difficulties in order to win it. It had brightened his life and given him something blessed for which to live. Filled with zeal, as though inspired to prove himself worthy of the dear girl who had so readily forgiven his cruel desertion because of the great love she bore him, Owen arose. First of all he stretched himself, as though feeling of his strength. He had resolved to bend his energies upon the door of the subterranean prison, as offering the best possible opportunity for escape. So he groped his way to the stone steps and made his way upward. At length he touched the door. Of course it was fast. Those vindictive Spaniards had meant what they said, and really hoped he might be kept down below until so weakened by hunger that he could put up but a feeble defense against the great gaunt Dublin sewer rats. Which shows how little they knew a progressive Yankee, and his inventive abilities that stop at nothing when the occasion makes demands. Roderic knew how to assail such a door. He smiled disdainfully when he found they had actually left the key in the lock. What a snap it was. Why these fellows were hardly out of their swaddling clothes when it came to outwitting a twentieth century Yankee. He thought he would start operations upon that door immediately. Then his mind changed for a sound reached his ears--some one was approaching--he could even see a gleam of light from under the door. Now they stood without with only the door between. He heard a key turned in the lock. Roderic braced himself for a struggle, not knowing but what one of the most vindictive Spaniards, Roblado perhaps, had crept back, resolved to have a dark revenge. Thus, half crouching on the steps, he awaited the opening of the door. Now it moved. He had a glimpse of a flaring candle held in a small hand, and then came sudden darkness, for a draught from the cellar had snuffed out the flame. But Roderic had in that one glance seen enough to arouse the most delightful sensations within his heart.