on the weasand of this high and mighty prince, under his ruff, and if he offer to struggle or cry out, fail not, my worthy Ranald, to squeeze doughtily; and if it be ad deliquium, Ranald, that is, till he swoon, there is no great matter, seeing he designed your gullet and mine to still harder usage."
"If he offer at speech or struggle," said Ranald, "he dies by my hand."
"That is right, Ranald—very spirited—a thorough-going friend that understands a hint is worth a million."
Thus resigning the charge of the Marquis to his new confederate, Dalgetty pressed the spring, by which the secret door flew open, though so well were its hinges polished and oiled, that it made not the slightest noise in revolving. The opposite side of the door was secured by very strong bolt and bars, beside which hung one or two keys, designed apparently to undo fetter-locks. A narrow stair-case, ascending up through
