Page:Watts Mumford--Whitewash.djvu/50

 The cautious tread ceased, and was followed by a slight scraping and shuffling as of some one crawling. Victoria, with sudden inspiration, recalled a clothes-press in the wall near which she crouched. She felt for Sonia's hand in the darkness, secured the extinguished candle, cautiously opened the closet door, and entered, closing it behind her. Hurriedly she struck a light, then putting down the candle, as quickly slipped into the room once more.

"It's ready when we want it. I closed the door so he couldn't see the light or hear the match."

A soft pressure of Sonia's hand answered her.

The scuffling noise continued, so slight, that had they not been on their guard it must have passed unnoticed.

Another telegraphic squeeze passed between them as the dark bulk of a man's body and head loomed just above the iron ladder.

A pause, in which the girls held their breath and listened to the beating of their hearts. The man looked down, listened, swung his legs clear, and placed his feet on the fire-escape. 46