"Do we go down through the trapdoor Jack and Nikka used or do we use the rope to drop directly into the Garden?" he asked.
"Best use the trapdoor," advised Nikka.
"Yes," I agreed. "Then the rope will always be handy in case you want to escape."
"Right O!" endorsed Hugh cheerfully. "Jack, you and Nikka will come with me. Professor King and Watty will be rearguard and second-line for emergency use. Stay where you are, Professor, until you hear from us."
"But do you consider it advisable, in full accord with military strategy, to divide your forces?" objected my uncle. "Surely—"
"We can handle twice our number," replied Hugh. "If there are more than that we'll call on you. But you and Watty aren't as used to scrapping as we are, and it wouldn't be fair to mix you in it if it can be avoided. Come on, lads."
We crossed the roof toward Sokaki Masyeri, the large courtyard on our right, the Garden of the Cedars on our left. The trapdoor was shut, but unfastened, and Hugh lifted it. The ladder was in place under it. Hugh lowered himself gently, and creaked down to the floor. We followed him. The room was in pitch-darkness, but we made certain by touch that it was empty. The bed from which Nikka and I had cut the cords lay exactly as we had left it, the clothes tumbled over the foot. The door to the hall was off its hinges, but propped in place.
"I've picked up a chair-leg," Nikka whispered by the broken door. "You fellows use your crowbars if—"
He paused significantly.
"Right," Hugh whispered back. "Can we lift this door aside?"