Before going down further, Stanley, who had during the day informed Harry of his plan, told him of the start that they had made.
"Of course, it all depends upon what stones you meet with," Harry said.

"If you come to a big solid block, I don't see how you are going to get through it." "We have the hatchets, and can whittle it away; and perhaps we can make some chisels, from the ramrods of your guards' guns.

A lot can be done, with patience and plenty of hands." Stanley then went down below, and explained to the others the plan proposed.

The news gave them great satisfaction; for although Meinik had told them there was a staircase above blocked with stones, it had seemed so impossible, to him, to clear it that he had placed no stress upon the fact; and the preparations made by the enemy to cut off any possible retreat had greatly depressed them.
Stanley took one of the iron ramrods and, raking some of the embers from the fire, placed it in them, about a foot from one end; then he directed the others to fan the embers, until they raised them almost to white heat.

Taking the ramrod out, he laid the edge of one of their knives upon it and, striking its back with a stone, soon cut through the glowing rod.