"They're locked up with the rest. Barnes has been up to know what he's to do."
Barnes was the prison cook. The cooks referred to were six good-behaviour men who were told off to assist him in his duties.
"If the food were cooked, I don't see how we should give it to the men."
"That's the question." Mr. Murray pondered.
"We might pass it through the gas-holes."
"We should have to break the glass to do it. You wouldn't find it easy. It's plate-glass, an inch in thickness, and built into the solid wall."
There was a pause for consideration.
"Well, this is a pretty start. I've never come across anything like it in all my days before."
Mr. Paley passed his hand through his hair. He had never come across anything like it either.
"I shall have to telegraph to the commissioners. I can't do anything without their sanction."