I suppose it's some trick of that Dudu's." He felt his way along bravely for a few minutes, and more bravely still was forcing back his tears, when a sound caught his ears.

It was a cock's crow, sharp and shrill, but yet sounding as if outside the place where he was.

Still it greatly encouraged Hugh, who continued to make his way on in the dark, much pleased to find that the farther he got the nearer and clearer sounded the crow, repeated every few seconds.

And at last he found himself at the end of the passage--he knew it must be so, for in front of him the way was barred, and _quite_ close to him now apparently, sounded the cock's shrill call.

He pushed and pulled--for some time in vain.