They had to knock for some time against the stout oak door before any
notice was taken of the summons. At length an old man, who acted as
bellringer, thrust his head out of one of the narrow pointed windows
above, and demanded their business. Satisfied with the reply, he
descended, and, opening the door, admitted them into a lofty chamber,
the roof of which was composed of stout planks, crossed by heavy
oaken rafters, and supported by beams of the same material. On the
left a steep ladder-like flight of wooden steps led to an upper room, and
from a hole in the roof descended a bell-rope, which was fastened to
one of the beams, showing the use to which the chamber was put.
Some further consultation was now held among the party as to the
propriety of leaving the prisoner in this chamber under the guard of the
arquebusiers, but it was at last decided against doing so, and the old
bellringer being called upon for the keys of the dungeon beneath, he
speedily produced them. They then went forth, and descending a flight
of stone steps on the left, came to a low strong door, which they
unlocked, and obtained admission to a large octangular chamber with a
vaulted roof, and deep embrasures terminated by narrow loopholes.
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