Page:Hornung - Irralies Bushranger.djvu/123

 "No."

"Nor he to you?"

"Only a word or two."

"I didn't hear: so they wouldn't hear us: but you must listen while I work. Listen hardest when he's not playing! If they come you must make a noise, and I'll get away while they're opening the door."

"You are very good."

"Not a word about that—or anything else. Now let me try. Ah, how difficult to do it quietly!"

For the pincers were large enough to bite the nuts, but first they snapped together, and then they banged heavily against the iron. Irralie desisted and held her breath in despair. The music had not recommenced, and sure enough there came footsteps; but the prisoner instantly began beating with his head or his knee against the corrugated iron.

"Stop that row!"

"What! mayn't I be musical, too?"

"No, you may not."