I explained that there were several ways by which the
thing could be raised, but that the most probable one was by
means of a rolling pulley, which required merely some rounded
stones and a flat surface above, with ropes of hide for stays.
It had been several hours since we had last eaten, and we decided
to at once convey to the spies without our intentions concerning
our prisoner. So we regaled ourselves with dried fish and water,
taking care not to approach the king, who had rolled over on his
side and lay facing us, looking for all the world, in the dim
light, like a black dog crouched on the floor.
Harry relieved me at my post against the door, and I lay down to
sleep. Desiree had seated herself beside him, and the low tones
of their voices came to me as I lay on the couch (which Desiree
had insisted I should occupy) in an indistinct, musical murmur.
This for perhaps ten minutes; then I slept.
That became our routine. During the many weary hours that
followed there was never a moment when one of us was not seated
with his back against the stone across the doorway; we dared not
trust our eyes. Usually Harry and Desiree watched together, and,
when I relieved them, slept side by side on the couch.
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