Page 226 of 896

The floor was examined very carefully under the inscription, and,

in the earth beneath a stone, or tile, or some fragment of

paving, were found the ashes of a paper, mingled with the ashes

of a small leathern case or bag. What the unknown prisoner had

written will never be read, but he had written something, and

hidden it away to keep it from the gaoler."

"My father," exclaimed Lucie, "you are ill!"

He had suddenly started up, with his hand to his head. His manner

and his look quite terrified them all.

"No, my dear, not ill. There are large drops of rain falling, and

they made me start. We had better go in."