They have retired.

However, not a moment is to be lost.

Give me your hand." He then hurried Darrell down another short flight of steps, and entered a small chamber at the back of the house.

Closing the door, Jonathan next produced his lantern, and, hastening towards the window, undrew a bolt by which it was fastened.

A stout wooden shutter, opening inwardly, being removed, disclosed a grating of iron bars.