It was a very secure building, with stone casements and strongly barred doors; but if a boy could get through the pantry window, he could admit the others readily.

How long it would be before the attempt was made Stephen could not tell, but it was already late, and Black Thompson had left him hurriedly.

But at least it must be an hour or two nearer midnight, and all hopes of rescue and defence rested upon him and Martha only.
Martha was sitting by the fire knitting, and Bess Thompson was pinning on her shawl to go home.

Poor Bess! Even in his excitement Stephen felt for her; but he dared not utter a word till she was gone.

But then Martha could not credit his hurried tidings and directions, until she had been herself to the shaft to see the feeble gleam of Tim's lamp, and hear the sound of his voice; for as soon as she rattled the railings he spoke again.
'Be sharp!' he cried.