"Open!" A faint exclamation suggestive of dismay was the answer, the shutter closed again with a snap, the shuffling steps retreated and unbroken silence followed.
"Now wharra devil may this mean ?" growled Mr.Butler.Drugged wits, like stupid ones, are readily suspicious.

"Wharra they hatching in here that they are afraid of lerring Bri'ish soldiers see?
Knock again, Flanagan.
Louder, man!" The sergeant beat the door with the butt of his carbine.

The blows gave out a hollow echo, but evoked no more answer than if they had fallen upon the door of a mausoleum.

Mr.Butler completely lost his temper.
"Seems to me that we've stumbled upon a hotbed o' treason.

Hotbed o' treason!" he repeated, as if pleased with the phrase.