"
"Now, Tim, lie quiet. I will turn you on your back, and swim across
with you."
The moat was some twenty yards wide. Charlie swam across, towing Tim
after him, and taking the greatest pains to avoid making the slightest
splash. The opposite side was of stonework, and rose six feet above
the water. As soon as they touched the wall, a stout rope was lowered
to them.
"Now, Tim, you climb up first."
"Is it climb up, yer honor? I couldn't do it, if it was to save my
sowl. My arms are gone altogether, and I'm as weak as a child.
"You go, Mister Charles. I'll hould on by the rope till morning. They
can but shoot me."
"Nonsense, Tim! Here, I will fasten the rope round your body. Then I
will climb up, and we will pull you up after me."
In another minute, Charlie stood on the bank, and grasped the hand of
his faithful follower. Hossein threw himself on his knees, and pressed
his master to him. Then he rose and, at a word from Charlie, they
hauled Tim to the top. The rope was taken off him and, noiselessly,
they made their way across the country. Not a word was spoken, till
they were at a considerable distance from the fort.
"Where are you taking us, Hossein?" Charlie asked, at last.
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