The prisoners' place in an 1894 adventure novel can play various roles. It could be a place that symbolizes oppression, where the main characters have to fight against the unjust system that keeps people imprisoned. It might also be a location that holds secrets. For example, there could be hidden passages or treasures within the prison area, which would add to the adventure aspect of the story. Maybe the prison is in a foreign land, adding an element of the exotic and unknown to the plot.
Well, without knowing the exact 1894 adventure novel, it's hard to say precisely. However, generally, the prisoners' place could be used to show the power structure in the story. If it's a prison in a big city, it might represent the authority's control. And the conditions of the place could reflect the justice system in the fictional world of the novel.