The carriage drew up at a doorway, and here the Director and his companion got out.

He led the way into the edifice, then, descending a stair, entered an arched corridor, at the door of which two soldiers stood on guard, who saluted as the Chief passed them.
"Does this lead to the room where the explosion took place ?" asked Jennie.

"Yes." "And is this the only entrance ?" "The only entrance, madame." "Were the men on guard in this doorway injured by the explosion ?" "Yes.

They were not seriously injured, but were rendered incapable for a time of attending to their duties." "Then a person could have escaped without their seeing him ?" "A whole regiment of persons might have escaped.

You will understand the situation exactly if I compare this corridor to a long cannon, the room at the end being the breech-loading chamber.