Chapter 56

“How long do you want to be left in there?” asked the warden. “Fifteen minutes or so?” “Ellis declared his belief that I could not stand it for an hour or two,” came the reply from the depths of the cell. “Suppose that we make it two hours. At the end of that time you may return and release me. But not a minute before.” “Very well, Number 9982,” replied the warden. “You now are alone with your conscience.” The heavy door clanged shut, and a faint _click_ told Blalock that the light above the door had been snapped o…