They soon had the wall down, and moved forward into the passage. The air here was fresher still, and their sense of caution was aroused.
The passage gradually curved to the left, so that their vision ahead was restricted. Eventually they came to a heavy oak door. Not only was the door nailed shut, but it seemed to be walled over with wood on the other side. The door came away with little effort, and Niles carefully poked a small hole in the wall. At last, some dim light filtered through the hole. Holding his breath, Niles peered through it.
After several moments he withdrew, and sat down with his back to the wall. “What is it?” Paris asked him, and Niles smiled.
“A gift beyond our wildest imaginings,” he replied. Paris ventured a look and gasped. “It is the treasure room of Valerian,” he said.
“It certainly is,” said Niles.
“We are not going to steal it,” breathed Paris.
“Steal it?” said Niles. “It is stolen already. And Morlock’s chambers are almost certainly near to this room as well, and therein lies the cause for this chance.”
“What chance is that?” asked Paris faintly. “I’m sure dispatching Morlock himself is beyond us. What are you suggesting?”