He woke the echoes from many walls; he fumed with indignation that a youth should affront him thus; while the officer, ignorant of all that boiled in this man's mind, and conscious of the gravity of his own charge, made short work with Mr. Malherb. He called a sergeant. "Take half a dozen men, Bradridge, and turn this lunatic out. If he won't go, rogue's-march him! We've enough on our hands without madmen to-day." As though to confirm his assertion, a great uproar rent the air behind them--a clamour like the wind-driven sea breaking upon some mighty cliff. The nature of their disappointment had permeated through the prisons; and thousands of baffled captives cursed their fortune and threatened those dangers that lie in concerted action of desperate men. Sergeant Bradridge obeyed the word of command, and, despite his impotent raving, Malherb was thrust forth by force. He called down destruction upon the great fastness behind him; he wished the Americans all free to overwhelm their guards; and then, at the entrance, another company of soldiers appeared with two prisoners handcuffed together. "Waal, I guess they'll be astonished--some of 'em--when they see me alive and hearty," said James Knapps to his companion. "Not many knew as I was snooking round t'other side that wall, and digging like hell day and night." John Lee did not answer, for he had observed Maurice Malherb. "I must speak to that man!" he cried to the soldiers. "For God's love do not deny me! 'Tis like to be death for an innocent woman if I don't!" "Not your grandmother--eh?" asked Knapps; "I reyther reckon she can take care of herself." John had now turned to Sergeant Bradridge, and earnestly addressed him. The sergeant was a local man--a native of Buckfastleigh, and the uncle of Mr. Putt. "Sergeant," he said, "you know your nephew Tom: he's my friend, and I beg you to let me speak to Mr. Malherb there. It's a fearful thing if I'm denied." Then he lifted his voice to his old master. "I implore you, sir, to give heed. There's danger threatening Miss Grace--I alone----" But the other turned and roared him down. "You hound--you lying rascal; you, that plotted to help this knave Stark! Shall I hear a groom when I may not hear his master? Take him away and shoot him for a traitor to his country!" "Your daughter, sir!" "Keep her off your lips, or I'll strangle you with my own hand," bellowed the other. "You're at the bottom of half this cursed business--I know it--I know everything!" "Her life, I tell you----" "Is not in your keeping. I'll not hearken to a word from you. Take the damned dog away and let him die as he deserves to die. My horse--my horse!" Sergeant Bradridge addressed the raving man aside. "If he's got aught to say, your honour, best hear it. You may not have another chance."