Stooping a little, Hamel was still able to walk by the side of the man in the chair.

They traversed about a hundred yards of subterranean way.

Here and there a fungus hung down from the wall, otherwise it was beautifully kept and dry.

By and by, with a little turn, they came to an incline and another iron gate, held open for them by a footman.

Mr.Fentolin sped up the last few feet into the great hail, which seemed more imposing than ever by reason of this unexpected entrance.