This obstacle, which appeared to preclude the possibility of egress in that quarter, was speedily got rid of.

Withdrawing another bolt, and unhooking a chain suspended from the top of the casement, Jonathan pushed the iron framework outwards.

The bars dropped noiselessly and slowly down, till the chain tightened at the staple.
"You are free," said he, "that grating forms a ladder, by which you may descend in safety.

I learned the trick of the place from one Paul Groves, who used to live here, and who contrived the machine.

He used to call it his fire-escape--ha! ha! I've often used the ladder for my own convenience, but I never expected to turn it to such good account.