Jack walked the path indicated and refused to re-emerge in spite of all my attempts at persuasion.

I talked to a friend who also enjoys MM; he said he had the same problem in the same spot but didn't report it.

I ended up aborting and going back to previous save point.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/144430/Cassiopus_Hard.png

I always did let Jack take the long ladder back up. never tried going left or right. the troll would probably attack him.  ;D

Ach, crivens. I arranged the walls so that Jack cannot exit the room by its sides anymore.

Thanks for the reply. :)

IS there an exit or any reason to visit that room, then?  I ask because I've explored the room thoroughly (and died repeatedly), and have not found anything there but trolls and ladders.

Please tell me if I'm just not doing it right?  Not looking for any kind of spoiler; a yes or no will do me fine. 

Again, thank you.

There should be money, and possibly a shield (I forgot). Nothing hidden: looking for secrets while avoiding that swarm of trolls would be too tricky!