“I will get in,” vowed Bill. “I know the signal. If he refuses to answer I’ll kick the door down.”
But the signal was answered directly by an old woman, who peered out suspiciously from the partly open door. The sound of a chain told the two ruffians that it would be useless for them to attempt to force the door open.
“Who is it?” demanded the woman.
“Let us in, Mag,” said Bill. “We’ve important business with the boss.”
“Go ’way from here!” rasped the old hag. “He can’t be disturbed any more to-night.”
“Well, he better be disturbed!” said Bill. “If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll see us! We’re dead onto something that means a heap to him. The police——”
“The police?” hissed the woman.
“There’s something doing, Mag, and the boss should know about it. It’s for his good we’ve come back here. You know he trusts us, so unhook that chain and let us in quick before we are seen here.”
After a little pause the chain rattled again, and then the door swung open.
“If you know anything the boss better know, why, all right,” mumbled the old woman; “but if you’re lying, look out! That’s all!”