line of the door, and so placed the girl with her back to the wall
that if the door opened she would be behind it. "Yes," he answered.

"Pearsall and I" called Prothero, "have decided how to dispose of
you--of both of you. He has gone below to make preparations. I am
on guard. If you try to break out or call for help, I'll shoot you
as I warned you!"

"And I warn you," shouted Ford, "if this lady and I do not
instantly leave this house, or if any harm comes to her, you will
hang for it!" Prothero laughed jeeringly.

"Who will hang me?" he mocked.

"My friends," retorted Ford. "They know I am in this house. They
know WHY I am here. Unless they see Miss Dale and myself walk out
of it in safety, they will never let you leave it. Don't be a fool,
Prothero!" he shouted. "You know I am telling the truth. You know
your only chance for mercy is to open that door and let us go
free."

For over a minute Ford waited, but from the hall there was no
answer.

After another minute of silence, Ford turned and gazed inquiringly
at Miss Dale.

"Prothero!" he called.

Again for a full minute he waited and again called, and then, as