She sprang up. It was maddening to sit still, to feel the approach
of the tragedy without being able to prevent it. She investigated the
windows. No hope in this direction. It was rapidly growing dark outside.
What time was it?
The door opened. A man she had not seen before came in with a blanket,
a pitcher of water, and some graham crackers. His fingers were stained a
brilliant yellow and a peculiar odour emanated from his clothes. He did
not speak to her, but set the articles on the floor and departed.
Kitty did not stir. An hour passed; she sat as one in a trance. The
tallow dip was sinking. By and by she became conscious of a faint
sound, a tapping. Whence it came she could not tell. She moved about
cautiously, endeavouring to locate it. When she finally did the blood
drummed in her ears. The trap! Someone was trying to get in through the
trap!
Cutty! Thus soon! Who else could it be? She hunted for a piece of lumber
light enough to raise to the trap. She tapped three times, and waited.
Silence. She repeated the signal. This time it was answered. Cutty! In a
little while she would be free, and Two-Hawks would not have to pay for
her folly with his life. Terror and remorse departed forthwith.
She took the plank to the door and pushed one end under the door knob.
Then she piled the other planks against the butt. The moment she heard
steps on the stairs she would stand on the planks. It would be difficult
to open that door. She sat down on the planks to wait. From time to time
she built up the falling tallow. Cutty must have light. The tapping on
the trap went on. They were breaking away the cement. Perhaps an hour
passed. At least it seemed a very long time.
Steps on the stairs! She stood up, facing the door, the roots of her
hair tingling. She heard the key turn in the lock; and then as in a
nightmare she felt the planks under her feet stir slightly but with
sinister persistence. She presently saw the toe of a boot insert, itself
between the door and the jamb. The pressure increased; the space between
the door and the jamb widened. Suddenly the boot vanished, the door
closed, and the plank fell. Immediately thereafter Karlov stood inside
the room, scowling suspiciously.