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Easier the other way, perhaps; and yet, had I the nerve to lie

and look up at that deadly black shadow wavering down upon me?

Already I was unable to stand erect, when my eye caught something

which brought a gush of hope back to my heart.

"I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the

walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw

a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which

broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For

an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door

which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself

through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had

closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few

moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me

how narrow had been my escape.