The keepers rushed in to withdraw them from so dangerous a
place: all but one obeyed with sudden tameness: that one struggled and
yelled like a demon. In the midst. of which fearful contest came a sudden
thundering at a door on the third floor.
"What is that?" cried Rooke.
"It is Mr. Hardie," screamed the Robin. "You have left him locked in."
"I told Hayes to let him out long ago."
"But Hayes hasn't got the key. You've got it."
"No, no. I tell you Hayes has got it."
"No, no! Murder! murder! They are dead men. Run for Mrs. Archbold,
somebody. Run! Here, hammers, hammers! for God's sake, come and help me,
break the door. Oh, Rooke, Rooke!"
"As I'm a man Hayes has got the key," cried Rooke, stamping on the
ground, and white with terror.
By this time Garrett had got a hammer, and he and Wales rushed wildly up
the stairs to batter in the strong door if they could. They got to the
third floor, but with difficulty; the smoke began to blind them and choke
them, and fiery showers fell on them, and drove them back smarting and
choking. Garrett sank down gasping at the stair-foot.
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