Peering in, she saw that the tomb was empty. Also, the back wall was missing.
“The entrance to the passageway!” she cried. “We’ve found it!”
As Rhoda sprang to her feet, Penny hesitated. She felt it would be cruel to abandon the two men who remained chained to the column.
“Go as fast as you can!” Mr. Ayling urged. “It’s our only hope! If you get out safely, send the police after Highland and Winkey! Then bring help.”
“We’ll hurry!” Penny promised.
She grasped Rhoda’s trembling hand and started through the opening into a narrow, low passageway vaulted over with brick.
“You say we’ll come out in the churchyard?” Rhoda gasped, huddling close behind her friend.
“I imagine so. This passage can’t be very long. I only hope it isn’t blocked by a cave-in.”
Their anxiety increased as they inched their way along. Frequently they were forced to climb over piles of brick which had fallen from the ceiling.
Once they were certain the passage was completely blocked. However, Penny pulled aside a mass of debris, enabling them to climb through and go on.