Finally, he put down the lamp and set his shoulder against the wooden barrier with all his force.

A dull creaking sound rewarded his efforts, and inch by inch the huge door opened into what at first appeared immeasurable darkness.

Holding up the light he looked in, and uttered a smothered exclamation.

A sudden gust of wind rushed from the sea through the passage and extinguished the lamp, leaving him in profound gloom.

Nothing daunted he sought his fusee case; there was just one left in it.