It was impossible to open the trap-door from above, he had found by investigation.

There was but one way to get to Miss Gray, and that was by means of a daring ruse.
Trusting to luck, he tapped gently on the floor at the spot where memory told him the trap-door was situated.

His heart was thumping violently.
There was a movement below him, and then the sound of some one handling the bolts in the door.

Bonner drew back, hoping against hope that a light would not be shown.

In one hand he held his revolver ready for use; in the other his heavy walking stick.