Whoever those assassins might be, they had departed, leaving only the helpless dead behind.

No doubt they would come again to remove the bodies, to seek refuge in this hidden hole.
But for the moment I was there undiscovered, and must utilize each precious instant for discoveries and escape.

Wild recklessness, a desire to break away from those grewsome surroundings, overcame all caution.

Swiftly as I dared in the dense blackness I crept forward, feeling the smooth wall with eager fingers, my right hand still nervously gripping the revolver butt.

Then I came to the door, similar to the other, although no groping about would reveal the catch, or enable me to force it open.
Again I struck a match, guarding the infant flame with both hands against a slight draught which threatened its extinction.