"More likely they are refugees like ourselves,—some poor people who have known of the temple, and imagine they have a good hiding place from the mutineers."
"We must learn the truth as soon as we can."
In the hope of finding some spot in the wall where they could hear more distinctly, the surgeon began groping along its face with his hands. He could not see clearly enough in the dim light to discern small objects.
"Helloa! here's something!" he exclaimed, in the same guarded voice.
"What is it?" asked his companion.
"It feels like the knob of a door."
"Maybe it's a door bell; give it a pull and see whether the people are receiving calls," said Harkins, whose high spirits could not always be repressed even in the most critical moments.
"Here is a door——-"
"Good by," called the sportsman, as he saw his friend pass through an opening that suddenly presented itself.
Drawing the handle to one side the door slid to the left, and Avery advanced a couple of steps into a smaller room. Then, fearful of a volley from the strangers, he quickly drew back beside Harkins.