A door beyond opened into a huge murky hall, murky, for the windows were shuttered, and the only light came through things like port-holes far up in the wall.

Dougal, who seemed to know his way about, halted them.
"Stop here till I scout a bit.

The women bide in a wee room through that muckle door." Bare feet stole across the oak flooring, there was the sound of a door swinging on its hinges, and then silence and darkness.

Dickson put out a hand for companionship and clutched Heritage's; to his surprise it was cold and all a-tremble.

They listened for voices, and thought they could detect a far-away sob.
It was some minutes before Dougal returned.