were nearly exhausted from the cramped positions and the long fast.
They had called until their throats were parched, and their voices
croaked and wheezed. But as they heard the boys familiar and welcome
voices sound faintly through the heavy door, new energy thrilled then
and they lifted their voices together in a shout that echoed in the
vaulted room. It was answered.

So thick and close fitting was the door that they could not make the
listeners outside understand anything but the word "Help!" which,
spoken in any language, is certain to bring response. The boys outside
shouted assurances which were, also not understood, but the sound of
friendly voices put now life into Warren and Ivan every moment. The
great locked door was baffling; but there was plenty of heavy timbers
around, and finding a sort of battering ram was a moment's work. The
three went to work with a will. Blow after blow fell on the heavy
door. It did not yield an inch. The lock also held firm, but the new
casing was built in old and rotted wood. It gave, and with a dusty
splintering the door toppled in, and the boys, springing over without a
moment's hesitation, entered.

They hurried to the exhausted prisoners and cut the ropes and freed
them. Both boys were so numb that it was some time before the Scouts
could rub feeling into the cramped legs and feet.

Warren pointed to the floor where the pieces of food were scattered.
Three dead rats lay near.

"You were right, Ivan," he said with a great shudder.

"What is it?" said the Scout who was rubbing him.