The Drums of Jeopardy - Page 176/202

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.