We retired to the end of the passage, where from a distant door we nervously watched Smith turn the key and draw out first one screw then the other from the door that divided him and us from our masters.
At last we saw it open.

Smith walked into the room and shut the door behind him.

What happened inside we never exactly knew.

After half an hour, which seemed to us as long as a day, the three emerged, and walked straight down the passage and up the stairs that led to Miss Henniker's room.

Smith, with the screwdriver, walked in the middle, very solemn and very pale.
Stealthily we crawled up after them, and hid where we could observe what was to follow.
Mr Ladislaw knocked at the Henniker's door.
"Well ?" said a voice within.
The word was mildly spoken, and very unlike the snap to which we had been accustomed in former days.
"It is I," said Mr Ladislaw, "and Mr Hashford." "I shall be glad if you will immediately have my door opened," was the reply.
"Smith, unscrew the door at once," said Mr Ladislaw.
Smith solemnly proceeded to do as he was bid, and presently the screws were both dislodged.
"Is it done ?" said the Henniker when the sound ceased.
"Yes, Miss Henniker; the door is quite free." "Then," said the Henniker--and there positively seemed to be a tremor in the voice--"please go; I will be down presently." So the little procession turned and once more walked down the stairs, Smith, with his screwdriver, still walking solemnly in the middle.