At last a movement ran through the serpent-like string of people, sounds were heard behind the door, everyone closed up, the men told the women to keep close and hold tight; there was a great unbarring and unbolting, the doors were thrown open, and, like a bursting river, the people surged in.
"Liza of Lambeth"
W. Somerset Maugham
There were many questions, much unbarring and drawing of bolts, before the people inside the house would open the door to Captain Pinto's summons; for the Portuguese will allow a person to run the chance of being murdered, or to stand shivering in a shower of rain, till they can assure themselves of his name and quality, as we have found to our cost.
"The Prime Minister"
W.H.G. Kingston
He had flattered himself that she was slowly unbarring the gates.
"The Furnace"
Rose Macaulay