“It seems to hold, sir,” said Jessac presently; “I can’t move it—may I have the light a moment?... Now, I’ll try again.”
They heard him pushing; gently, then harder, finally with all his strength.
“I can’t do it, my lord,” he said; “it’s either out of balance or has been closed on the inside.”
The Princess gave an exclamation of alarm.
“What!” said she impatiently, “it can’t be opened?—we have failed? impossible, it must be opened—try again, Jessac.”
“May be it’s only jammed,” said Moore; “come, I’ll help you.”
But still the stone refused to stir—suddenly it moved a very little—caught—moved a little more—caught again—then wrenched itself free, with a grinding scrape, and swung slowly around.
They heard it collide with something; the next moment came a terrific crash of shattering glass, and the resounding clatter of a metal tray.
Moore ground back an oath.
“Close the stone!” said he instantly, “quick, man, quick!”