But a few yards farther the passage ended at the top of a short flight of steps ; and it became plain that , as long as the soldiers occupied the hall , escape was impossible upon that side . They retraced their steps with all imaginable speed , and set forward to explore the other branch . It was exceedingly narrow , scarce wide enough for a large man ; and it led them continually up and down by little break-neck stairs , until even Dick had lost all notion of his whereabouts . At length it grew both narrower and lower ; the stairs continued to descend ; the walls on either hand became damp and slimy to the touch ; and far in front of them they heard the squeaking and scuttling of the rats . `` We must be in the dungeons , '' Dick remarked . `` And still there is no outlet , '' added Joanna . `` Nay , but an outlet there must be ! '' Dick answered . Presently , sure enough , they came to a sharp angle , and then the passage ended in a flight of steps . On the top of that there was a solid flag of stone by way of trap , and to this they both set their backs . It was immovable . `` Some one holdeth it , '' suggested Joanna . `` Not so , '' said Dick ; `` for were a man strong as ten , he must still yield a little . But this resisteth like dead rock . There is a weight upon the trap . Here is no issue ; and , by my sooth , good Jack , we are here as fairly prisoners as though the gyves were on our ankle bones . Sit ye then down , and let us talk . After a while we shall return , when perchance they shall be less carefully upon their guard ; and , who knoweth ? we may break out and stand a chance . But , in my poor opinion , we are as good as shent . ''
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Dick Jack Joanna dungeons escape gyves holdeth resisteth shent sooth