Frank knew that whatever he did must be done in a hurry, for, allowing that in the trouble in the dance-room, Handsome Charley should come forth triumphant it was likely that June would be sought by some of those ruffians.
The thought of this spurred Merry on. He pictured to himself the terror of the poor girl seized by those men and dragged into the presence of the mob below.
"They shall not touch her!" he muttered. "If I can reach her, they shall not touch her!"
Then he found himself, in the gloom of the landing, against a heavy door. He sought to open it, but it was locked.
From below came the sound of a shot. Then there were shouts and other shots.
"The devils have broken loose!" exclaimed Merry, and he wondered how it fared with Bill.
In vain he felt for the fastenings of the door. His heart smote him with the fear that it would withstand any attack he might direct upon it.
Then he found a match and struck it. The light showed him something that made his heart leap with satisfaction.
Across the face of the door, lying in iron slots, was an iron bar that held it fast.