"To earth she came like a pretty dove, and by sun-up she was safe. She's not far off neither." "To think of another doing these things that should have been my blessed privilege!" "D'you grudge me that much?" "No, no, Jack; but consider--her lover. Yes--I'm that now, thank God." "This was what I could do for her and you could not. She is out of danger now, and will be for a week--not longer." "In less time than that my work here is done and we shall be free," answered Stark. "Then 'tis my turn; then I must----" "The tunnel will be through in less than four days--perhaps three," interrupted John. "Knapps works eighteen hours a day and I do my stint. He's made of iron. By night we get rid of the soil; by day we work while my grandmother keeps guard. When the time comes, we shall knock out the side of the cottage so that the open door shall be as large as possible." With difficulty Stark brought his mind back to this great matter. "She--yes--the exit must be as wide as you can make it. We are planning the final stroke. At best it will take some hours, however good our method and discipline. The danger of alarm is manifest--also the danger of false alarm and panic." "You deserve to succeed. You have great authority over men." "My obligations cease when I take my turn with my fellows and come through the tunnel. It is each man for himself then. But I have given my word to depart no other way. Then! How shall I pay you for all I owe you, Jack?" "Name that no more. You cannot. She will pay me. Her future happiness is my payment." "And her future will rest with me. 'Tis a solemn thought for one so little worthy of such a trust. Shall you see her to-day?" "Every day until you are free and beside her." "My purpose is to get to Dartmouth and hire a vessel that will take us to France. I have heard all about the place, and believe that a little ship can lie hid at some appointed spot where the trees hang over the river." "Such spots abound. I might see to that. When once you and your countrymen are free, her hiding-place must be left instantly, for another will come to it." A shadow of lover's jealousy clouded Stark's face; but it was gone in an instant. "If we get successfully out of this, you and you only must be thanked for all. I lag behind you every way. But I'll do my share, Jack, when I get opportunity." "No fear of that. To-morrow I may beg a mount at Holne and get to Dartmouth. But, to be frank, 'tis more vital that I should watch over her than do any other thing just now. If Norcot lays hands upon me, all may go wrong. He'll know right well that I've a hand in this." "Then think first and only of her, and guard your own safety before everything, for her sake." A mat of dyed grass and a little box of coloured wood passed between them, while Lee handed a coin back through the bars.