The woman pointed to the end of the garret where the roof sloped
sharply down until, at the wall itself, it was scarcely four feet
above the floor.

"Go down there. Right to the wall - in the center," instructed
Gypsy Nan weakly. And then, as Rhoda Gray obeyed: "Now push up on
that wide board in the ceiling."

Rhoda Gray. already in a stooped position, reached up, and pushed
at a rough, unplaned board. It swung back without a sound, like a
narrow trap-door, until it rested in an upright position against the
outer frame of the house, disclosing an aperture through which, by
standing erect, Rhoda Gray easily thrust her head and shoulders.

She raised the candle then through the opening - and suddenly her
dark eyes widened in amazement. It was a hiding place, not only
ingenious, but exceedingly generous in expanse. As far as one
could reach the ceiling metamorphosed itself into a most convenient
shelf. And it had been well utilized! It held a most astounding
collection of things. There was a cashbox, but the cashbox was
apparently wholly inadequate - there must have been thousands of
dollars in those piles of banknotes that were stacked beside it!
There was a large tin box, the cover off, containing some black,
pastelike substance - the "stuff," presumably, that Gypsy Nan used
on her face and hands. There was a bunch of curiously formed keys,
several boxes of revolver cartridges, an electric flashlight, and
a great quantity of the choicest brands of tinned and bottled
fruits and provisions - and a little to one side, evidently kept
ready for instant use, a suit of excellent material, underclothing,
silk stockings shoes and hat were neatly piled together.