He ran back to the automobile and got a kit of tools. Then, while Ned held up one of the small oil lamps that was taken off the dashboard of the car, Jerry tackled the lock. It was a massive affair, but time had so rusted it that very little trouble was found in taking it apart so that the door was free.
“Everybody push, now!” called Jerry. “Those hinges are pretty rusty.”
They shoved with all their strength, but the door, though it gave slightly, showing that no more locks held it, would not open. It had probably not been used for centuries.
“Looks as if we’d have to stay here,” said the professor.
“Not a bit of it,” spoke Jerry. “Wait a minute.”
He ran back to the auto, and soon the others heard him cranking it up.
“Look out! Stand to one side!” he called.
The auto came forward slowly. Jerry steered the front part of it carefully against the massive door. Once he was close to the portal he turned on full power.
There was a cracking and splintering of wood, and a squeaking as the rusty hinges gave. Then, with the auto pushing against it, the massive door swung to one side. The machine had accomplished what the strength of the boys and the professor could not.