der was followed by another downpour, and outside all remained pitch-black.
"I'll tell you what, Dawson!" I cried, after a pause, for the crash had taken away my breath. "If we want to get away, to-night is the time to do it!"
"That's true, Oliver. But how are we to manage the trick? I've turned and twisted until my wrists are so sore they are ready to run blood. This vine-rope is as tough as a steel cable."
"I think I see a way," I answered. "I was afraid somebody would spot us if I mentioned it before. When the old woman brought us in that shell-fish this afternoon, I managed to save a bit of shell and hide it in my pocket. The edge is sharp, and by sawing on the vines I think I can cut them. The question is, can we escape even after the vines are cut? I rather think we'll run the risk of our lives."
"Let us try it anyway, lad; anything is better than staying here," said Dawson.
I immediately produced the bit of shell and set to work. I could not reach my own bonds very well, but I could reach those of my companion, and after fifteen minutes of hard labor, the first mate was liberated. Then he took the shell and began upon my wrists.
The storm kept up, and of a sudden came a
