www.freeclassicebooks.com

For a moment Tommy hesitated. There was the sound of some one stirring on the

floor below. Then the German's voice came up the stairs.

"Gott im Himmel! Conrad, what is it?"

Tommy felt a small hand thrust into his. Beside him stood Annette. She pointed

up a rickety ladder that apparently led to some attics.

"Quick--up here!" She dragged him after her up the ladder. In another moment

they were standing in a dusty garret littered with lumber. Tommy looked round.

This won't do. It's a regular trap. There's no way out."

Hush! Wait." The girl put her finger to her lips. She crept to the top of the ladder

and listened.

The banging and beating on the door was terrific. The German and another were

trying to force the door in. Annette explained in a whisper:

"They will think you are still inside. They cannot hear what Conrad says. The

door is too thick."

"I thought you could hear what went on in the room?"

There is a peep-hole into the next room. It was clever of you to guess. But they

will not think of that--they are only anxious to get in."

"Yes--but look here----"

"Leave it to me." She bent down. To his amazement, Tommy saw that she was

fastening the end of a long piece of string to the handle of a big cracked jug. She

arranged it carefully, then turned to Tommy.

Have you the key of the door?"

Yes."

Give it to me."

He handed it to her.

I am going down. Do you think you can go halfway, and then swing yourself

The Secret Adversary