memorandum book, and scribbled in the dark, knowing be could not
read what I had written.

"This writing says that you did not run away until you had made quite
sure we were in difficulties. So, if you should run too soon, and
we should not be in difficulties after all, Kagig would learn that
sooner or later. What would Kagig do in that case?"

"He would throw me over the bridge at Zeitoon--if he could catch
me! Nay! I play no tricks."

"Good. Then go and hide. Hide within call. Within an hour, or
at most two hours we shall know how the land lies. If all should
be well I will change that writing for another one, and send you
to Kagig in any case. No more words now--go and hide!"

He put his pipe out with his thumb, and took two strides into a shadow,
and was gone. Then I went back through the gap in the dungeon wall,
and stumbled to the stairs. Apparently not missing me yet, they
had covered up the trap, and I had to hammer on it for admission.
They were not pleased when my head appeared through the hole, and
they realized that I had probably held communication with our men.
I suppose Fred saw by my face that I had accomplished what I went
for, because he let out a laugh like a fox's bark that did nothing
toward lessening the tension.

On the other hand it was quite clear that during my absence Miss
Vanderman had not been idle. Excepting the two men who had admitted
me, every one was seated--she on the floor among the women, with
her back to the wall, and the rest in a semicircle facing them.