How could he escape?
What was he about to be confronted with?
Nothing around him afforded inspiration.

He was bound helplessly; Sexton had disappeared, whether dead or a prisoner, he did not know; the walls of the room exhibited no signs of weakness, while Hobart eyed his every movement coldly, evidently enjoying his predicament.

Apparently the man comprehended the nature of his thought.
"Perfectly useless, West," he said carelessly.

"This place was constructed for the purpose, and you are not the only one who has tested its strength.

You will get out when I say so, and not before." "Do you intend to say so ?" "Well, that depends," shrewdly.