e, we cleared all away until what
had the appearance of a rubbish hole was brought to view. One might have
guessed that this had originally been made as an entrance to the cellar
from the outside, and afterward closed up carelessly with rocks and
earth, the casks having been set before the place as a screen.

There was a look of triumph on Hiram's face as he wriggled amid the
rubbish, pushing aside a rock here and scraping away the earth there
until his body was almost hidden from view.

Then, while I stood with bated breath believing we had found what would
serve us in time of need, he appeared to have come to an end of his
exploration, for backing out, he straightway began brushing up the
litter which had been pulled upon the floor, as carefully as a
house-wife might have done, save that he used his hands instead of a
broom.

More than once I made as if to ask what he had found further than I
could see; but he gave me to understand that we must make no attempt at
holding a conversation, and whispered that I go back to where it might
be possible to learn when those who were above had left the building.

I did as he thus commanded; but my heart was lighter than at any time
since we entered this prison-like hiding-place, for the belief was
strong in my mind that if worse came to worse, and Master Lord was
indeed the treacherous villain I believed him, we might be able to
escape, so far as leaving the cellar was concerned.

While I remained by the wall, straining my ears to catch the lightest
sound from above, Hiram continued his work as cook, and before the hum
of conversation had ceased in the room over my head, the leg of lamb was
done to a turn, while Griffin had ready for eating a tempting loaf of
corn bread.

Then, somewhat to my surprise, after the food had been placed upon the
table Hiram took my station by the wall, insisting that we three lads
should partake of the meal, and because I was beginning now to have full
faith that he was not allowing himself to be hood-winked by Master Lord,
I did as commanded, although there was in my mind the idea that we might
give over listening, at least during such time as would be necessary to
satisfy our hunger.

Before we had come to an end of our eating it was possible to hear the
outer door swung to with no little force, and there was a look of
satisfaction upon Griffin's face as he joined us at the table.

"Unless my ears have played me false, the room above is e