"Here is an auger, a chisel, and a knife. Secrete them. Work straight out under your window. We shall be ready for you by Wednesday night. Don't fail to give a signal if anything happens that prevents your cutting through. There is only an old stone wall between you and the river. You must take precautions against the water, if it is high enough to reach your cut." Jones played his part admirably. He remained limp and stolid in the supporting arms of Jack, while Dick, hovering in the doorway, kept the prying remnant of the visitors, eager to witness the scene, at a safe distance. When the water came Jack yielded his place to the guard and the party moved on. "Here we have a real Yankee, a regular nutmeg," the young aide cried, as the party came to a room not far from Jones's. "This youngster was one of the chief devils in the attack on Rosedale. The judge-advocate has tried every means to coax a confession from him, but without result. He is as gay as a bridegroom, and answers all threats with a joke." "Ah! the old Barney under all," Jack said, half sadly. "Do you know him, Mr. Sprague?" "Like a brother. He is from my town." "Ah, perhaps you can convince him that his best course is open confession?" "No, I fear not. He is very headstrong, and would rather have his joke on the gibbet than own himself in the wrong." "But, Mr. Jack, if you should talk to him, show him the wickedness of conspiring against a peaceful family, inciting a servile race to murder, I'm sure you could move him, and it would be such a comfort to have the criminals themselves expose the atrocious plot." This was said by Miss Delmayne, a niece of Mrs. Gannat. Jack caught her eye as she spoke, and instantly realized the covert meaning. How stupid he had been! Of course, Barney must be apprised of the rescue, and what time more propitious than the present? But, unfortunately, he had not provided himself with the tools for the emergency. What could be done? He suddenly remembered a bayonet he had seen near the guard-room. It was lying unnoticed on the bench. "I must have a drink before I answer a plea so urgent. Amuse the prisoner while I slake my thirst." Barney was lying at the far end of the narrow, boarded cage. He raised his head as the group halted before his door, but gave no sign of interest as this dialogue was carried on: "Prisoner," said the aide, magisterially, "come to the door." "Jailer, what shall I come to the door for?" Barney mimicked indolently. "Because I hid you, sir." "Not a reason in law, sir." "I'll have the guard haul you here." "Then he'll have a mighty poor haul, as King James said when he caught the Orange troopers in the Boyne." "I'll teach you, sir, to defy a commissioned officer!" "I've learned that already; but if you're a school-teacher I'll decline the verb 'will' for you." "Guard, hustle that beast forward."