Page:The black tulip (IA 10892334.2209.emory.edu).pdf/128

 was followed by the mastiff.

The turnkey took the animal round the jail, so that, if needs be, he might recognise the prisoners.

“Father,” said Rosa, “here is the famous prison from which Mynheer Grotius escaped. You know Mynheer Grotius?”

“Oh, yes, that rogue Grotius; a friend of that villain Barneveldte, whom I saw executed when I was a child. Ah! so Grotius; and that’s the chamber from which he escaped. Well, I’ll answer for it that no one shall escape after him in my time.”

And thus opening the door, he began in the dark to talk to the prisoner.

The dog, on his part, went up to the prisoner, and growling, smelled about his legs, just as though to ask him what right he had still to be alive, after having left the prison in the company of the Recorder and the executioner.

But the fair Rosa called him to her side.

“Well, my master,” said Gryphus, holding up his lantern to throw a little light around, “you see in me your new jailor. I am head turnkey, and have all the cells under my care. I’m not vicious, but I’m not to be trifled with, as far as discipline goes.”

“My good Master Gryphus, I know you perfectly well,” said the prisoner, approaching to within the circle of light cast around by the lantern.

“Halloa! that’s you, Mynheer Van Baerle,” said Gryphus. “That’s you; well, I declare, it’s astonishing how people do meet.”

“Oh, yes, and it’s really a great pleasure to me, good