"I have made the same omission," said the captain; "hand yours up,
Wolston."
The missionary accordingly held up his with one hand whilst he held on
the ladder with the other. The captain bent down to take it, but found
he could not reach it without endangering his equilibrium. They both
made some desperate efforts to accomplish the feat, but the thing was
impossible.
"I see no help for it," said the missionary, "but to ascend all three
again."
"That is awkward," said the captain.
"Gentlemen," said Willis, "three o'clock is striking on the prison
clock; the warder will be round in two minutes."
"God sometimes permits good actions to go _unrewarded_," said the
missionary; "but he never _punishes_ them."
"Let us re-ascend, then," said the captain.
"So be it," said Willis, going upwards.
They had scarcely time to re-enter the cell before they heard the
sound of steps and the clank of keys in the corridor. The steps
discontinued at their door, and a key was thrust into the lock.
"What is the matter?" cried the captain from his bed, as the gaoler
thrust his head inside the door.
"Why," said the warder, "I heard a noise, and thought that your honor
might be ill."
"Thank you for your attention, Ambroise," replied the captain, in a
half sleepy tone; "but you have been deceived, we are all quite well.
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