There would merely be a tumult with every one of us sure to be recaptured." The two now advanced down the passage, which was low and narrow, walled in with massive stone.

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.