At last my groping hand touched it, and drawing the bottom outward as far as possible by mere grip of the fingers, I inserted the stout oaken bar within the aperture, and, after listening intently to detect any presence close at hand, exerted my strength upon the rude lever.

There followed a slight rasping, as if a wire dragged along a nail,--a penetrating shrillness there was to it which sent a tingle to the nerves,--then the heavy shutter swung outward, leaving ample space for the passage of a man's body.

I lifted myself by my hands and peered cautiously within.

Everywhere was impenetrable blackness, while the silence was so profound as to give a sudden strange throb to my heart.
Waiting no longer, I drew myself up on to the narrow ledge; then hung downward until my groping feet touched the floor.

Once safely landed I leaned forth again, and in another moment the priest stood beside me, the shutter tightly drawn behind us.