"Such as a file, a rope, or a disguise, Colonel Campbell," the
commandant laughed.

"I am not thinking of that at present," Hector said smiling. "Besides,
you can give orders that he can always be strictly searched when
he comes in."

The colonel shook his head. "I will tell you what I will do," he
said; "I will let him have a pass to go in and out at will, if
you will give me a promise, on your honour as a soldier, that he
shall not bring in anything that can be used by you for facilitating
your escape. I would much rather trust to your word than to any
search the soldiers might make as your man comes in."

"Thank you, colonel," Hector said cheerfully, though at heart he
felt considerably disappointed. "I give you my word of honour that
he shall bring in nothing that may aid me in making my escape, and
I am much obliged to you for letting him have the run of the town."

The colonel at once wrote a pass authorizing Paolo Monti, lackey
to Colonel Campbell, to enter and leave the castle at all times
when the gates were open.

Paolo laughed when Hector told him the conditions on which the pass
was granted.

"The commandant is a shrewd fellow, master, but he is not quite
shrewd enough; he forgot that though I may bring in nothing myself
I may be able to arrange with someone else to bring something in."