22
　　Escape!
　　It was not difficult to climb up the iron rungs. Toni was soon up in the roof of the tower. Kiki wasfirst though! She flew up from Jack¹’s shoulder, and perched on the big bell, making a slightclanging noise that startled her considerably²!
　　The iron ladder went right above the bell, which hung from a great beam. Above it was a stoneplatform, with an opening in it at one side for the iron ladder to pass through. Toni climbed up tothe bell, and then through the opening above it, and passed on to the stone platform. Jack camenext and then Pedro. Bingo was last.
　　There were arched openings like windows in the top of the tower opening off the stoneplatform, one arch facing each way – north, south, east and west. Toni peered out of the arch thatfaced the window in the castle opposite.
　　He considered the distance carefully. Jack peered out too. It seemed a long way to him in thedarkness! He shivered. He didn’t at all want to go on with this idea, now that he was up so high,and could see what a drop it was to the ground.
　　But Toni and Bingo treated it in a very casual, matter-of-fact manner. They talked to oneanother, and discussed it very thoroughly³ and with great interest. They apparently⁴ had no doubt atall but that they could do what they had planned.
　　Toni said something to Pedro, and he repeated it to Jack in English. ‘Toni says he is ready. Hesays how can we attract the attention of your friends in the room opposite? They will have to helpat the beginning.’
　　‘If we flash a torch on and off – or perhaps hoot⁵ like an owl⁶ – Philip will come,’ said Jack.
　　‘We try the owl,’ said Toni, and Jack put his cupped hands to his mouth and blew virogouslybetween his two thumbs.
　　‘Hooo! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!’ came quaveringly on the night air. Jack hooted⁷ again.
　　They waited, their eyes on the shadowy window opposite. Then, from the window, a lightflashed on and off.

分享到：