These, however, were sufficient to convince Cavendish that no guards were in the immediate neighbourhood.

He felt the grip of the girl's fingers on his coat, and reached back to clasp her hand.
"All clear," he whispered.

"Hurry, and let's get this door closed." They slipped through, crouching in the shadow as the door shut behind them, eagerly seeking to pierce the mystery of the gloom into which the narrow corridor vanished.

Beyond the two cells and their dim rays all was black silence, yet both felt a strange relief at escaping from the confines of their prison.

The open passage was cool, and the fugitives felt fresh air upon their cheeks; nowhere did any sound break the silence.