other floors, and was so contrived as to absolutely defy detection
be the examination of the structure of the house never so
exhaustive. If the secret door were not found, nothing else would
ever betray this cunning hiding-place. Doubtless that was why,
during the many changes that had prevailed at Chad during the past
fifty years, the knowledge of its very existence had been lost.

"Air comes in freely through many cracks and slits," explained the
prisoner. "It is not an unpleasant place save in the heat of the
middle day, when it becomes like a veritable oven. That is why my
thirst was so unbearable. There is a bed, as thou seest, and a
chair and a few other things. One could be comfortable here were it
not for starvation and thirst."

"I will feed thee so long as thou remainest hid," cried the boy,
with generous ardour. "Thou shalt hide there by day, and by night
shalt wander abroad an thou wilt, to breathe the air and stretch
thy limbs. My brothers and I will be thy friends. Thou needst fear
nothing now. We will find out when it is safe for thee to leave thy
retreat, and then thou shalt go forth without fear; or, if thou
likest it better, thou shalt abide here till our father returns and
take service with him. I doubt not he would be glad enow to number
a Warbel again amongst his trusty servants."

The man's face lighted up wonderfully.

"If he would do that," he cried eagerly, "I should have no wish for
anything better. But my master, the baron--"

"My father fears not the baron!" answered the boy proudly; "and,