Moppet’s chamber was a small one, and occupied the center of the house, Miss Euphemia’s being upon one side, and the north chamber (as one of the great rooms was called) upon the other.  The great chimney of the mansion ran up between the large and small room, and what Moppet called her “doll’s dungeon” was a hollow place, just high enough for the child to reach, in the back of the chimney.  For some purpose of ventilation there was an opening from this aperture into the north chamber.  It was covered with a piece of movable iron; and in summer, when no fire was used in that part of the house, Moppet took great delight in consigning her contumacious doll (a rag baby of large size and much plainness of feature) to what she was pleased to call her “dungeon.”  To-night Betty’s quick wit had divined what an important factor the aperture might prove to her, and directly she had secured the door, she walked softly toward the chimney, and felt in the darkness for the movable bit of iron which filled the back.

When Geoffrey Yorke had finished the ample and delicious supper with which Miss Euphemia’s hospitable and pitying soul had furnished him, he lighted his candle and made thorough search of his temporary prison to ascertain whether he could escape therefrom.  Betty’s gesture of disapproval when he was about to give his parole had seemed to promise him assistance; could it be possible that the lovely little rebel’s heart was so moved with pity?”

“Sweet Betty,” thought Geoffrey, “was ever maid so grateful for a small service!  I wish with all my soul I might have chance and opportunity to do her a great one, for never have I seen so bewitching and dainty a creature,” and Geoffrey’s heart gave a mad leap as he remembered the tearful, beseeching glance which Betty had bestowed upon him as Oliver had conducted him from her presence.

The windows, of which there were two, looking north, received his first attention, but he found them amply secured; and although a strong arm might wrench them open, it would be attended by such noise as could not fail to attract the attention of his guard posted outside the door.  This reflection prompted him to inspect the door; and discovering an inside bolt as well as the outer one, he drew it, thus assuring his privacy from intrusion.  The large chimney was his next point of investigation; and although the flue seemed somewhat narrow, Geoffrey decided that it afforded some slight chance, provided he had the means of descent when once he reached the roof.  Back to the windows again; yes, the great elm of which Moppet had spoken stood like a tall sentinel guarding the mansion, and Geoffrey felt confident that he could crawl from roof to tree and thus reach the ground.  To be sure, it was most hazardous; there was the chance of some one sleeping in the chambers near who might hear even so slight a noise; he might become wedged in the chimney, or—­pshaw! one must risk life, if need be, for liberty; and here Geoffrey smiled, as it occurred