The prisoner broke the chair, which was too heavy for him to lift, and made use of it as a battering ram to strike against the door.

He struck so loudly, and so repeatedly, that the perspiration soon began to pour down his face.

The sound became tremendous and continuous; certain stifled, smothered cries replied in different directions.

This sound produced a strange effect upon the king.

He paused to listen; it was the voice of the prisoners, formerly his victims, now his companions.