"
It may be that the reader has never encountered a copy of this
singular book. Baron Trenck was several times imprisoned for
political offences, and this book contains an account of the manner
in which he succeeded, in some cases after years of labor, in
breaking from his dungeon. His feats in this way are truly
wonderful, and, if not true, at least they have so very much
similitude that they find no difficulty in winning the reader's
credence.
Such was the book which Foley placed in Jack's hands. He must have
been in ignorance of the character of the book, since it was evident
to what thoughts it would lead the mind of the prisoner.
Jack read the book with intense interest. It was just such a one as
he would have read with avidity under any circumstances. It
gratified his taste for adventure, and he entered heart and soul
into the Baron's plans, and felt a corresponding gratification when
he succeeded. When he completed the perusal of the fascinating
volume, he thought, "Why cannot I imitate Baron Trenck? He was far
worse off than I am. If he could succeed in overcoming so many
obstacles, it is a pity if I cannot find some means of escape."
He looked about the room in the hope that some plan might be
suggested.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE PRISONER ESCAPES.
TO give an idea of the difficulties of Jack's situation, let it be
repeated that there was but one door to the room, and this was
bolted on the outside.
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