Prothero nodded in assent. He addressed himself to Ford.

"I don't know what to do with you," he said, "so I will consult
with my friend outside this door. While we talk, we will lock you
in. We can hear any move you make. If you raise the window or call
I will open the door and kill you--you and that woman!"

With a quick gesture, he swung to the door, and the spring lock
snapped. An instant later the bolts were noisily driven home.

When the second bolt shot into place, Ford turned and looked at
Miss Dale.

This is a hell of a note!" he said





III

Outside the locked door the voices of the two men rose in fierce
whispers. But Ford regarded them not at all. With the swiftness of
a squirrel caught in a cage, he darted on tiptoe from side to side
searching the confines of his prison. He halted close to Miss Dale
and pointed at the windows.

"Have you ever tried to loosen those bars?" he whispered.

The girl nodded and, in pantomime that spoke of failure, shrugged