"Hold on!" said Oakes. "You are in the most dangerous part; don't be rash. Here, Stone, you go first—and Moore, you follow about ten feet behind, without a light, in order that you may be undetected. Take matches. I'll stay here with the taper, and watch. When you get to the other end, don't go up the steps leading to the ground until both Mike and Cook show themselves. We know nothing about them, you know. Be cautious. The man we want went out this way, whoever he is."
I threw the light ahead and advanced some ten feet. I heard Moore following. "Careful!" said he in a whisper.
Again I threw the light ahead, and beheld only the walls of the square tunnel. I could hear the breathing of Moore behind me. I knocked on the wall here and there with my revolver; it rang true and solid. We gradually advanced until we beheld the daylight and saw the men waiting at the head of the stone steps.
I ascended. Moore took the lantern and called back to Oakes, addressing him as Clark. In a moment he came.
"Stay where you are, Stone," said he to me. "Come here, Mike."
Mike descended willingly enough. I watched Cook and looked all around.
"Open that door." Oakes pointed to a little wooden opening in the side of the stairs. Mike obeyed, but instantly closed it again with a bang.
"A man!" said he.
Oakes and Moore levelled their revolvers.
"Come out," said the detective, "or take the consequences. I shall shoot."