As its hinges creaked, Dick shut the lantern, and threw the cell at once into total darkness.

Taking hold of Gascoyne's wrist gently, as if to guide, not to force him away, he conducted him along the short passage that led to the outer door of the prison.

This was opened, and the whole party stood in the open air.
Gascoyne looked with feelings of curiosity at the men who surrounded him; but the night was so intensely dark that their features were invisible.

He could just discern the outlines of their figures, which were enveloped in large cloaks.

He was on the point of speaking to them, when he remembered his promise to make no noise; so he restrained himself, and followed his guard in silence.
Dick and another man walked at his side, the rest followed in rear.
Leading him round the outskirts of the village, towards its northern extremity, Gascoyne's conductors soon brought him to the beach, at a retired spot, where was a small bay.