“According to the map, the opening should be along this wall,” she told Rhoda who joined her in the search. “But there’s nothing here.”
“Maybe the opening was sealed up years ago.”
Though half convinced Rhoda was right, Penny would not give up. Even after her friend had abandoned the search, she kept tapping the walls.
One section, adjoining a large stone tomb, gave off a hollow sound. But try as she would, Penny could not find a moveable section of wall.
“It’s no use,” she admitted, “unless—”
“Unless what?” Rhoda demanded as Penny’s voice trailed off.
“What a dud I am! I remember now, Mr. Eckenrod said the hidden passage comes out through a tomb in the churchyard! So the entrance to the tunnel may be through this tomb which stands against the wall!”
“The wall did give off a hollow sound when you tapped it,” Rhoda declared, hope reviving.
“See if you can open the door of the tomb!” Mr. Ayling urged, becoming excited. “I have a hunch you’re on the right track!”
Thus urged, Penny overcame her own reluctance. The latch on the big stone door appeared to be locked. She experimented with it for awhile, and was rewarded to hear a sharp click. As she pulled on the door with all her strength, it slowly swung backwards.