Page:Keeban (IA keeban00balm).pdf/269

 "You've explored the cavern, I suppose between three and five," I said, starting up the small talk again.

"Yes."

"It runs to solid walls, I take it?"

"Very solid."

"Nothing like a trap door in the floor, by any chance?"

"Not by any."

"Now a noise would probably be one of the worst advised projects possible, don't you think?"

"It wouldn't change the end at all," Doris said, "and would only put us worse off now. They'd tie and gag us—or else let us yell for their amusement."

"Of course some one's just outside."

"Of course."

We were silent again and I listened. "Yet we don't know. I hear nobody now."

I threw my weight against the panels, bracing my feet as firmly as I could. The wood creaked but did not break. Hearing some one at the other side, I relaxed and the door opened.

"Who's so crazy to come out?" one of the normals said to me. "Come along." He punched me with his pistol. I came.