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The two men were close up; and as Allstone held him firmly he felt that he was about to be dragged back to his prison like some drowned rat, and he vowed that he would not give up if he died for it.
There was nothing to do then but wait, and he was in the act of closing the door and lowering the latch when he heard Sir Henry's voice speaking, and directly after steps in the passage. "Allstone has the keys," said a voice Hilary recognised as that of Sir Henry; "will you go and see him now?" "Look here, Sir Henry," was whispered, "you must get him on our side. The boy would be invaluable.
There must have been at least six carts unloaded by slow degrees, and their contents brought down into that vault before Allstone, who was at the head of the steps leading down, suddenly shouted: "That's all. Look alive up." "Ay, ay, we're coming," was the reply, and Hilary heard the men drag a case of some kind a little way along the floor with a loud scratching noise.
Fortunately he had retained the cutlass; and as he reached the bank and scrambled out, dripping like some huge Newfoundland dog, Allstone came panting up and seized him by the collar. "Not this time, my lad," he growled, showing his teeth. "You thought you had done it, didn't you?" "Let go!" panted Hilary, as the water streamed down and made a pool.
Certainly Hilary had just partaken of food, but a draught of milk and some bread seemed only provocatives to fresh eating in the case of a young growing fellow who had been fasting for considerably more than twenty-four hours. "Set the tray down, Allstone," said Sir Henry. "Don't wait," he continued; "I'll lock the door after me when I come out."
Another instant and Hilary must have been discovered; but just then the trampling of feet was heard, a shout or two, and Allstone said gruffly: "Let the nets alone, and come and get the stuff down."
"It's safest there, I'll be bound," he muttered; and he had hardly made his arrangements for concealment when he heard the steps coming, and began walking up and down as the door was opened, and, staring at him doubtfully, Allstone came in with two men bearing some breakfast for the prisoner, while their leader went round Hilary again, searchingly noting every fold of his garments before once more withdrawing.
"Where's Allstone?" cried Hilary as he led his men into the desolate-looking hall. "Hey?" "I say where's Allstone, the scoundrel?" shouted Hilary. "I'm very sorry, but I can't hear a word you say, young man. I've been stone-deaf ever sin' I came to take care o' this house five year ago. It's a terrifying damp place." "Where are the men?" shouted Hilary with his lips to her ear. "Men?
He blew a shrill chirruping whistle twice over, and it was answered from a distance; while before many minutes had elapsed there was the sound of breaking twigs, voices talking hurriedly, and directly after, looking black and angry, Allstone came up with half-a-dozen men. Allstone's countenance changed into a look of malignant pleasure as soon as he saw Hilary lying amidst the bushes.
But he was a good swimmer, and redoubling his exertions he forced his way onward, as he saw Sir Henry, Allstone, and three more men come running out to the moat; but only one of them, Sir Henry himself, attempted to save the drowning girl's life.
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