We then proceeded to this building, and after some search discovered the trap-door.

Much time was lost, owing to our being unprovided with lights, in the subterranean passage; and it was more than two hours before we could find the ring connected with the stone door, the mystery of which Martin explained to us.

This delay we feared would render our scheme abortive, when, just as we reached the panel, we heard your shrieks.

The spring was touched, and--you know the rest." "And shall never forget it," replied Viviana, in a tone of the deepest gratitude.
At this juncture, the tramp of horses was heard at the door; and the next moment it was thrown open by the younger Heydocke, who, with a look, and in a voice of the utmost terror, exclaimed, "They are coming!--they are coming!" "The pursuivant ?" cried Guy Fawkes.
"Not him alone, but the whole gang," rejoined Martin.

"Some of them are lowering the drawbridge, while others are crossing the plank.