It might
comfort him to see one from the camp."
"Provided that no sinister design or advantage be lurking under this
request. Yet am I speaking, I would fain hope, to a gentleman and a
soldier."
Moseley was conducted down a dark flight of steps, damp and slippery.
The ooze and slime rendered his footing tedious and insecure. Soon he
recognised the mighty voice of Gideon bellowing forth a triumphant
psalm. Another stave was just commencing as the door opened, and the
torch glared lurid and dismally on the iron features and grisly aspect
of the captive. A pair of rude stocks, through which Gideon's long
extremities protruded, stood in the middle of the dungeon. He scowled
terrifically at the intruders; but suddenly resumed his exercise.
"Still at thy devotions?" said Moseley; but the moody fanatic
vouchsafed not to reply.
"We must wait the finishing of this duty, I fear," said the captain,
knowing that interruption would be useless. Silently they awaited the
conclusion, when Gideon abruptly cried out--
"Captain Moseley, are ye, too, cast into this den of lions?"
"I came hither on an embassage, and I have craved this visit ere I
depart.
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