u will remember that I
consider you my debtors. I am pretty well able to look after my own
interests--you will understand that."

We guessed clearly what he meant. However, as much depended upon the
amount of gold Master Clough was able to expend, we knew that we should
have little difficulty on that score. Should he bribe high enough, not
only would the prison doors be open, but the gates of the city likewise,
and not only our friends, but others in a like predicament, might be
able to make their escape. Antwerp had become every day less and less
fitted for our residence; and I knew that, as nearly all my patron's
affairs had been wound up, we should have no difficulty in quitting the
place at a very short notice. Following our guide, we passed through
several streets till we arrived at one of the many new jails which had
of late years been established in that unfortunate city. The soldier
knocked at the gate. A warder, armed to the teeth, opened it.

"What, more prisoners?" he exclaimed.

"No," answered the soldier, and whispered a few words. "They pay well,
though."

I began rather to doubt whether some trick had not been intended, and
suggested to my companions that we should be cautious.

"Have two English ladies and a gentleman been brought here?" asked
Master Clough.

"We recognise in this place neither ladies nor gentlemen nor
nationalities. If we have here any prisoners you may desire to see, we
may perchance enable you to accomplish your wish, provided always that
you satisfy my just demands for any trouble you may give me."

Knowing well what the man meant, we bestowed on him a gold piece, having
given a smaller one to the soldier, who immediately took his departure.
We described to the warder the prisoners we desired to see.

"I will speak first to the governor of the jail," answered the man; "for
myself, you will understand I can do nothing."

I saw by the leer in his eyes that he knew pretty well that he had us in
his power.

"Well," I said, "we will not be ungrateful to the governor either, if he
allows us to communicate with our friends."

In a short time the man returned, saying that the governor would speak
with us himself, and desired us to follow him. He showed the way
upstairs, through several passages, to a room, where, before a
well-spread board, at which stood several flagons of wine, we found that
functionary, seated in a well-stuffed high-back chair, a large napkin
being