"Frightful mugs, the two of us. We ought to have closed it. But it's still very early in the morning. Let's hope Rush isn't up with the lark. Hang it. I've forgotten how many steps I'd counted. What do you make it?"
"Fifty-eight. Concentrate your mind, my son."
"I'll start at fifty-nine, then. Don't you think we might venture on a light now?"
"Not for anything. The tunnel's straight, and if you've ever been in a straight railway tunnel you'll know a light can be seen for miles. Better be on the safe side."
They completed the course in darkness.
"Well, what's your total?" asked Warrender.
"Two hundred and eighty-three."
"Mine's two hundred and ninety-one. Not so bad."
On emerging into the cellar, they replaced the flagstone and made sure that the hand-grips were turned as they had found them. Then they mounted to the upper floor of the cottage.
"I want to discover how that moaning is caused," said Armstrong.