"'But how can I manage this?' he asked. 'The wall of the garden,' I
replied, 'communicating with the princess's apartments, is separated
from those of the gaol by a space of a few yards only. You could not
get over these walls; but you might make an underground passage, and
slip in unobserved; and I will take care that there shall be some one
to receive and conduct you to the princess. When once with her, you
are safe; for all her attendants are attached to her; not one would
betray the secret.'

"'But how can I make this underground passage?' he asked. 'I cannot
dig it myself, or employ workmen.'

"'Have you no clever thief here,' I replied, 'accustomed to such
work?'

"'Well suggested,' he answered. 'I have just the right man.'

"'Who is he?' I said.

"'That man who has stolen the magic purse,' said he. 'If he will set
to work with a good will he will soon dig his way through.'

"'Very good,' I answered. 'You must persuade him by promising to let
him go when the work is done. But it would never do for him to be in
the secret; therefore, when he has finished, put on his fetters again,
and report to the king that he is exceedingly obstinate; that you have
tried all other means to make him confess, and that nothing remains
but to put him to torture. No doubt the king will give orders
accordingly; and you can easily manage so to inflict it that he shall