It proved to be an opening about a foot square, close to the ground, and was concealed by a fixed table.
On searching further, Old Spicer found, just in front of this aperture, a trap-door, which opened under the table, and could be fastened to it.
On lifting the trap a flight of five steps was revealed. These the two detectives descended, and immediately found themselves in another tunnel, leading toward York Street.
This they followed, and presently came to another door, which, with some difficulty, they opened, and found themselves in the sub-cellar of a spacious house.
"Ah, ha!" exclaimed Old Spicer, in a tone of great satisfaction, "I thought it would turn out something like this. Now let us make certain of the way out, and then return and examine the big vault more at our leisure."
"What's this?" asked Morgan, pointing to a small sheet-iron door.
"That must open into a coal vault, I should think," returned Spicer; "but let's see," and he opened the door.
A glance showed that the place had in fact been built for a coal vault, but it was quite evident it had not been used as such for a long time. It contained only a very high step-ladder, which was standing directly under the coal-hole, which was closed with an iron cover and fastened on the under side.
"That's our way out," said Old Spicer, pointing to the hole.
"But where will we find ourselves when we get out?" asked George.