watched the other tuck the money away inside her waist. "I said I
would see you through, and I will. But I doubt if you are strong
enough, even with what help I can give you, to get down the stairs,
and even if you can, I am afraid with all my soul of the consequences
to you, and -"

Gypsy Nan blew out the candle, and staggered to her feet.

"There isn't any other way." She leaned heavily on Rhoda Gray's
arm. "Can't you see that? Don't you think I know? Haven't you
seen enough here to convince you of that? I - I'm just spilling
the dice for - for perhaps the last time - but it's the only chance
- the only chance. Go on!" she urged tremulously. "Shoot the glim,
and get me to the door. And - and for the love of God, don't make
a sound! It's all up if we're seen going out!"

The flashlight's ray danced in crazy gyrations as the two figures
swayed and crept across the garret. Rhoda Gray unlocked the door,
and, as they passed out, locked it again on the outside.

"Hide the key!" whispered Gypsy Nan. "See - that crack in the floor
under the partition! Slip it in there!"

The flashlight guiding her, Rhoda Gray stooped down to where,
between the rough attic flooring and the equally rough boarding of
the garret partition, there was a narrow space. She pushed the key
in out of sight; and then, with her arm around Gypsy Nan's waist,
and with the flashlight at cautious intervals winking ahead of her
through the darkness, she began to descend the stairs.