Some hundred yards further a brilliant flare came into view, and the baronet at once conjectured that he was nearing his goal.
And so it proved. Within a few moments he stood before a cell, across the doorway of which stretched a barrier of fire. His armour saved him somewhat from the heat, so that he was able to approach fairly close to the flaming wall.
For a while he could see nothing within the cell beyond; but, as his eyes became more accustomed to the glare, he made out three figures standing motionless against the wall.
“Mervyn!” he called softly, and at the word one of the figures moved.
“Mervyn!” he repeated louder.
“Who calls?” came the weary reply.
“I, Seymour!” the baronet answered.
“Seymour!” in an incredulous whisper, “how can that be?”
“Never mind that now. Tell me how this fire dodge is worked, and soon have you out of that.”
“It’s William right enough,” Haverly’s voice returned, “and I guess he was never more welcome than at the present moment. Just enlighten him how the fire trick works, professor.”