"Well, sir, did you obtain me those keys?" asked General Harero.
"I did, and have them here, general," was the reply.
"You say there is no need of my entering at the main postern."
"None. This first key opens the concealed gate in the rear of the
guard house, and this the door that leads to the under range of the
prison. You will require no guide after what I have already shown
you. But you have promised me the fifty ounces."
"I have."
"And will hold me harmless?"
"At all hazards."
"Then here are the keys."
"Stay; it would be as well for you to be about at the time
specified, to avert any suspicions or immediate trouble."
"I will be on the alert, general. You may rely upon me in this
business, since you pay for my services so liberally."
"Good night, sir."
"Good night, general."
And gathering his cloak about him, the stranger vanished stealthily
through the door, which General Harero closed and locked after him.
Having consummated the preliminaries to some piece of rascality or
secret business that he did not care to make public.
More than half of the time allotted to the prisoner for preparation
in closing up his connection with life, had already transpired since
his sentence had been pronounced, and he had now but three days left
him to live.
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