It was impossible to open the
trap-door from above, he had found by investigation. There was but one
way to get to Miss Gray, and that was by means of a daring ruse.
Trusting to luck, he tapped gently on the floor at the spot where memory
told him the trap-door was situated. His heart was thumping violently.
There was a movement below him, and then the sound of some one handling
the bolts in the door. Bonner drew back, hoping against hope that a
light would not be shown. In one hand he held his revolver ready for
use; in the other his heavy walking stick. His plans were fully
developed. After a moment the trap was lifted partially and a draft of
warm air came out upon him.
CHAPTER XXII
Jack, the Giant Killer
"That you, Sam?" half whispered a man's voice. There was no light.
"Sh!" hissed Bonner, muffling his voice. "Is everybody in?"
"Bill's waitin' fer you outside. Ma an' me are here. Come on down.
What's up?"
"How's the girl?"
"Bellerin' like a baby. Ma's with her in the cave. Hurry up! This
thing's heavy."
For reply Bonner seized the edge of the door with his left hand, first
pushing his revolver in his trousers' pocket. Then he silently swung the
heavy cane through the air and downward, a very faint light from below
revealing the shock head of Davy in the aperture. It was a mighty blow
and true.
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