Their concluding words had evidently been some form of sign and countersign.

The instant that their footsteps had died away in the distance, Jefferson Hope sprang to his feet, and helping his companions through the gap, led the way across the fields at the top of his speed, supporting and half-carrying the girl when her strength appeared to fail her.
"Hurry on! hurry on!" he gasped from time to time.

"We are through the line of sentinels.

Everything depends on speed.

Hurry on!" Once on the high road they made rapid progress.