Give me your hand , Jack . '' And he grasped the other 's hand in silence . `` I will tell you , '' he resumed . `` There is a window , out of which the messenger descended ; the rope should still be in the chamber . 'T is a hope . '' `` Hist ! '' said Matcham . Both gave ear . There was a sound below the floor ; then it paused , and then began again . `` Some one walketh in the room below , '' whispered Matcham . `` Nay , '' returned Dick , `` there is no room below ; we are above the chapel . It is my murderer in the secret passage . Well , let him come ; it shall go hard with him ; '' and he ground his teeth . `` Blow me the lights out , '' said the other . `` Perchance he will betray himself . '' They blew out both the lamps and lay still as death . The footfalls underneath were very soft , but they were clearly audible . Several times they came and went ; and then there was a loud jar of a key turning in a lock , followed by a considerable silence . Presently the steps began again , and then , all of a sudden , a chink of light appeared in the planking of the room in a far corner . It widened ; a trap-door was being opened , letting in a gush of light .
They could see the strong hand pushing it up ; and XXXXX raised his cross-bow , waiting for the head to follow .
Dick Hist Jack Matcham Nay chink corner floor trap-door walketh