It opened merely on
a light-well, and the blank walls beyond gave back the cheery
reflection of a patch of sunlight that fell at an angle from above.
The fresher air that crept in from the window cleared my mind, a dash
of water refreshed my body, and I was ready once more to face whatever
might befall.
I looked at my watch. It was eight o'clock, and I had slept four hours
in this place. Truly I had been imprudent after my adventure below, but
I had been right in trusting Mother Borton. Then I began to realize
that I was outrageously hungry, and I remembered that I should be at
the office by nine to receive the commands of Doddridge Knapp, should
he choose to send them.
I threw back the bolt, but when I tried to swing the door open it
resisted my efforts. The key had been missing when I closed it, but a
sliding bolt had fastened it securely. Now I saw that the door was
locked.
Here was a strange predicament. I had heard nothing of the noise of the
key before I lost myself in slumber. Mother Borton must have turned it
as an additional precaution as I slept. But how was I to get out? I
hesitated to make a noise that could attract attention. It might bring
some one less kindly disposed than my hostess of the night. But there
was no other way. I was trapped, and must take the risk of summoning
assistance.
I rapped on the panel and listened. No sound rewarded me. I rapped
again more vigorously, but only silence followed. The house might have
been the grave for all the signs of life it gave back.
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