tone. It was so dark here that they held each other's
hands and felt the way before every footstep.

"I think we're going in the right direction," whispered White, "As I
remember it this is the way I came in."

"I'm sure of it," Ned whispered back. "Ah, here are more steps."

They had reached the stairway which led down to the hall of the
submarine cells, and still feeling their way they ascended it
cautiously. As they rose the air seemed to grow fresher, as if they were
nearing the openings by which it entered.

"Those fellows who took our places must have left a lamp or a lantern
standing somewhere here at the top of these steps," whispered White.
"The man who carried the tray could not have gone down them without a
light."

"It's probably here," said Ned, "burned out or blown out by a draught of
wind."

He smelled a slight smoke and in a niche carved in the stone he found
the lamp. The wick was still smoking a little.

"We'll leave it as it is," said Obed White. "Somebody may relight it
for those men when they come back again, but that won't be for several
hours yet."

Three more steps and they reached the crest of the flight, where they
were confronted by a heavy door of oak, ribbed with iron. Obed gently
tried the key that they had seized, but it did not fit.

"They must have banged on the door for it to be opened whenever they
came back," said Obed. "Now I shall use my fork which is sure to turn
the lock if I take long enough. I wasn't the best watch and key maker in
Maine for nothing. If first you don't succeed, then keep on trying till
you do."

Ned sat down on the steps while White inserted the fork. He could hear
it scratching lightly for a minute and then the bolt slid. The boy rose
and the man stepped back by his side.

"Draw your pistol and have it ready," he said, "and I'll do as much with
the old musket. We don't know what's on the other side of the door but
whatever it is we've got to meet it. Thrice armed is he who hath his
weapon leveled."

Ned needed no urging. He drew the pistol and held it ready for instant
use. What, in truth, was on the other side of the door? His whole fate
and that of his comrade might depend upon the revelation. Obed pushed
gently and the door opened without noise three or four inches. A shaft
of light from the room fell upon them but they could not yet see into
the room. They listened, and, hearing nothing, Obed pushed more boldly.
Then they saw before them a l