But all their efforts were in vain.

She darted past them, and though Leonard caught hold of her, she broke from him, and leaving a fragment of her dress in his grasp, flung herself into the chasm.
Well knowing that all help was vain, Thirlby placed a few pieces of money in the watchman's hand, and hurried away.

He was followed by Leonard, who was equally eager to quit the spot.

It so chanced that the path they had taken led them near the site of the old plague-pit, and Leonard pointed it out to his companion.

The latter stopped for a moment, and then, without saying a word, ran quickly towards it.