Nothing was said, but the two English officers exchanged glances.
The chief Brahmin led on through the narrow way, preceded by the lamp-bearers. The Rajah requested the English officers to go next. Then he followed, and the Wazir next, followed by the guards.
As they reached the bottom of the narrow flight of steps, passing the lamp upon its ledge, the place, lit up as it was now, looked strangely different of aspect; but there were the square dwarf pillars casting their dark shadows, and dimly seen away to the left was the opening to the cells.
“Will you point out the place where you say the Wazir placed the bag of jewels, Mr Darrell?” said the Rajah gravely.
“Yes, sir; in that one where the stone has been slid across and the block keeps it shut.”
“Are you sure it is there?”
“Yes, sir, I am certain that is the one.”
The Wazir drew a deep breath.
“Open!” said the Rajah laconically; and two of the priests removed the stone fastening, and pushed the slab along in its grooves, when two more stepped in with lights, while Dick and Wyatt pressed forward, eager to see.
But they saw nothing. The place was empty, and no sign was shown of any one having lately been in.