It was just like fiction, just precisely time enough to have accomplished what he had come for before he was interrupted, not a second more or less, the villain foiled at the psychological moment! The key was rattling in the front door now--they were in the hall--he could hear Stangeist's voice--there came a dull glow from the hallway, following the click of an electric-light switch.

The outer door of the safe swung shut, the bolts slid into place, the dial whirled under Jimmie Dale's fingers.

It was only a step to the portieres, the open window--and escape.

He straightened up, stepped back, the portieres closed behind him--and the chuckle died on Jimmie Dale's lips.
He was trapped--caught without so much as a corner in which to turn! Stangeist was even then coming into the room--and OUTSIDE, darkly outlined, two forms stood just beneath the window.

Instinctively, quick as a flash, Jimmie Dale crouched below the sill.