ight previous, he said.

"Well," said Peg, "and how is our prisoner?"

"Bless my soul," said Mr. Foley, "I haven't been to give him his
breakfast this morning. He must be hungry. But my head is in such a
state. However, I think I've secured him."

"What do you mean?"

"I have asked him to become one of us,--he's a bold lad,--and he has
promised to think of it."

"He is not to be trusted," said Peg, hastily.

"You think not?"

"I know it."

"Well," said the old man, "I suppose you know him better than I do. But
he's a bold lad."

"I should like to go up and see him," said Peg.

"Wait a minute, and I will carry up his breakfast."

The old man soon reappeared from the basement with some cold meat and
bread and butter.

"You may go up first," he said; "you are younger than I am."

They reached the landing.

"What's all this?" demanded Peg, her quick eyes detecting the aperture
in the door.

"What's what?" asked Foley.

"Is this the care you take of your prisoners?" demanded Peg, sharply.
"It looks as if he had escaped."

"Escaped! Impossible!"

"I hope so. Open the door quick."

The door was opened, and the two hastily entered.

"The bird is flown," said Peg.

"I--I don't understand it," said the old man, turning pale.

"I do. He has cut a hole in the door, slipped back the bolt, and
escaped. When could this have happened?"

"I don't know. Yes, I do remember, now, being disturbed last night by a
noise in the entry. I got out of bed, and looked out, but could see no
one."

"Did you come up-stairs?"

"Part way."

"When was this?"

"Past midnight."

"No doubt that was the time he escaped."

"That accounts for the door being locked," said the old man,
thoughtfully.

"What door?"

"The outer door. When I got up this morning, I found the key had
disappeared, and the door was locked. Luckily we had an extra key, and
so opened it."

"Probably he carried off the other in his pocket."

"Ah, he is a bold lad,--a bold lad," said Foley.

"You may find that out to your cost. He'll be likely to bring the police
about your ears."

"Do you think so?" said the old man, in alarm.

"I think it more than probable."

"But he don't know the house," said Foley, in a tone of reassurance. "It
was dark when he left here, and he will not be apt to find it again."

"Perhaps not, but lie will be likely to know you when he sees you again.
I advise you to keep pretty close."

"I certainly shall," sa