s, Yussuf led them straight to the
prison-hall, and then close under its walls till the rug yielded to his
hand, and as he drew it aside quite a pile of snow crumbled into the
well-warmed place and began to melt.

They were safely back without discovery; and there was nothing left but
to shake off the clinging snow, and, after hiding their packages, try to
rid themselves of their disappointment in sleep.

CHAPTER FORTY THREE.

THE WINTRY GUARDIAN.

For four days the snow fell incessantly. The aspect of the whole place
was changed, and it was only with difficulty that the appointed guards
managed to bring provisions to the prisoners.

Fortunately an ample supply of fuel was stacked by the door, so that a
good fire was kept; but on the fourth day no food was brought whatever,
and but for the store they had in concealment matters would have looked
bad, for there was no knowing how much longer the storm would last.

But on the fifth day the sun shone out brilliantly, and the brigands and
their wives were all busy with shovels digging ways from place to place;
and when at last the prison-hall was reached it was through a cutting
ten feet deep, the snow being drifted right up to the top of the lofty
door.

The scene was dazzling; the ruins piled-up with the white snow, the
mountains completely transformed as they glittered in the sun, and above
all the sky seemed to be of the purest blue.

The cold was intense, but it was a healthy inspiriting cold, and the
disappointment and confinement of the past days were forgotten as the
glorious sunshine sent hope and life into every heart.

In the course of the day the chief came, bringing with him piled on the
shoulders of a lad more rugs and fur coats for his prisoners; and a long
conversation ensued, in which he told them through Yussuf that he
expected his messengers would have been back before now, but they had
probably been stopped by the snow, and they must wait patiently now for
their return.

A further conversation took place at the door between the chief and
Yussuf, and then the former departed.

"Well, Yussuf," said Mr Preston anxiously; "what does he say? Not
execution yet from his manner?"

"No, excellency; it is as I feared."

"Feared?" cried Mrs Chumley excitedly; "are we to be kept closer
prisoners?"

"No, madam; you are to have greater freedom now."

"Freedom?" all chorused.

"Yes," said Yussuf; "you are to be at liberty to go where you pleas