“Here at the bottom of the steps,” he answered with a groan.
“Are you hurt?”
“Only bruised. But my hands are still in cuffs.”
Penny limped down the stairway and helped the man to his feet.
“We’re done for now,” he said. “No one will ever look for us down in this vault. And our cries will never be heard.”
“Don’t give up,” Penny murmured encouragingly. “We may be able to lift the stone. Come let’s try.”
Mounting the stairs, they applied their shoulders to the massive door, but their best efforts did not raise it an inch.
“Listen!” cried Atherwald suddenly.
They both could hear the sound of water running into the empty pool.
“In an hour’s time no one will ever guess that a hidden vault lies beneath the tank!” Atherwald groaned. “We’re doomed!”