Confident escape was impossible in any other direction the determined girl had taken up her position opposite the door, prepared for a long vigil.

All feeling of anger, even of irritation, had by this time left me.

The slight falter, the womanly softness of her voice, had robbed me of all resentment, and I was conscious merely of admiration for her courage and loyalty.

But I desired intently to stand equally high in her memory, and in order to do so must exhibit my own wit, my own resources in emergency.

I felt the door--it was of solid oak, with no spot of weakness evident, even the key-hole being concealed by a metal flap on the outside.