It was fastened.
"Ah!" said I, "am I to be kept here until the 'Terror' recommences its travels ?" Was not that, indeed, the only time when escape was hopeless?
My impatience and anxiety may be appreciated.

I knew not how long this halt might continue.
I had not a quarter of an hour to wait.

A noise of bars being removed came to my ear.

The hatchway was raised from above.

A wave of light and air penetrated my cabin.
With one bound I reached the deck.