Red Ralph and his companion slept soundly till after nine o'clock. The drug was only of moderate strength, or they would have slept longer.

When Ralph opened his eyes he saw the breakfast table spread, and his wife moving about the room. He looked around him half dazed.

"How does it happen that I am asleep on the floor?" he asked.

"You fell from your chair last night."

"Why didn't you rouse me, and make me go to bed?"

"I tried to, but you slept too sound."

"It is strange I should sleep so—and Conrad, too. What time is it?"

"Half-past nine."

"Has there been any noise in the room above, where the strangers are sleeping?"

"I have heard none."

[Pg 253]

"The potion kept them asleep. I must go up and rouse them."

"What are you going to do to them, Ralph? You won't injure them?"

"I must have their money. I may as well take Conrad with me. Here, Conrad, wake up!" and he shook his companion with no gentle hand.

Conrad opened his eyes, and looked sleepily around him.

"How came I here?" he asked.

"You took too much whisky and got stupid drunk," said Ralph, not mentioning that he, too, had been in the same box. "Is breakfast ready, Sarah?"

"Yes."

"Then we'll sit up and eat. I am famished¹. Come, Conrad."

"Won't you rouse the strangers first?"

"No. That will do afterward². If I get their money, you may give them some breakfast, too."

"Very well."

The woman spoke³ calmly, but she was inwardly excited. She knew that her husband would be enraged⁴ when he learned that the prisoners had escaped, but she hoped that her agency in the matter would not be suspected.

[Pg 254]

The two men ate heartily⁵, and his breakfast made Ralph feel better natured.

When the meal was over, he said: "Come with me, Conrad. We have work to do."

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