no chance of being observed from outside by rising to his feet.

On his hands and knees he crept away from the window, and out
of the bathroom. Once there, he stood up, grabbed the portfolio,
and without coat or vest and as he was, dashed out of the
bedroom. He had been positive that nobody but himself was astir
in the big house, and he was right.

He did not punch the light button when he entered the library.
He knew where to put his hand upon an electric torch in the table
drawer, and he gained possession of this.

Then he went to the safe and twirled the knob and watched the
indicator find the four numbers which were the "open sesame" to
the burglar and fire-proof door.

He flung the portfolio into the inner compartment, closed both
doors, and twirled the combination-knob. Then Tom tiptoed to the
foot of the front stairs to listen. He could hear no sound from
above.

He did not want his father to be startled, if the enemy did
break in; and he knew that old Rad, awakened out of a sound
sleep, would be worse than useless at such a time.

After all, the giant, Koku, was his main dependence under these
circumstances. Tom crept to the outer door, opened it carefully,
and slipped out, letting the spring lock click behind him. For
the first time he realized that he was in his shirt and trousers
and wore only felt slippers on his feet.