'Follow me,' he said, and dived into the subterranean descent to which this secret aperture gave access.
Fairford plunged after him, not without apprehensions of more kinds than one, but still resolved to prosecute the adventure.
The descent, which was not above six feet, led to a very narrow passage, which seemed to have been constructed for the precise purpose of excluding every one who chanced to be an inch more in girth than was his conductor.

A small vaulted room, of about eight feet square, received them at the end of this lane.

Here Mr.Trumbull left Fairford alone, and returned for an instant, as he said, to shut his concealed trap-door.
Fairford liked not his departure, as it left him in utter darkness; besides that his breathing was much affected by a strong and stifling smell of spirits, and other articles of a savour more powerful than agreeable to the lungs.

He was very glad, therefore, when he heard the returning steps of Mr.Trumbull, who, when once more by his side, opened a strong though narrow door in the wall, and conveyed Fairford into an immense magazine of spirit-casks, and other articles of contraband trade.
There was a small, light at the end of this range of well-stocked subterranean vaults, which, upon a low whistle, began to flicker and move towards them.

An undefined figure, holding a dark lantern, with the light averted, approached them, whom Mr.Trumbull thus addressed:--'Why were you not at worship, Job; and this Saturday at e'en ?' 'Swanston was loading the JENNY, sir; and I stayed to serve out the article.' 'True--a work of necessity, and in the way of business.