Sharpless called out, unseen, that he was ready.
"Go!" shouted Courtney, and pressed the pin of the watch.
The steady little hand traveled. In the dusk, the edge of a ladder presently appeared on the window-sill, clearly to be seen when die curtains were open. As Sharpless's head reared up, Courtney stopped the watch.
"There must be something wrong with this thing!" he said. "It's only thirteen seconds."
"No, son. That's about right. Now clear the center of the room, and put the little table there."
They all moved back as Ann and Courtney set out the table. H.M. gravely laid a rubber dagger on the table.
"Now watch," he instructed.
From his inside pocket he took out an object which made them blink. It was made of very light, thin wood, painted white. It was folded together in a series of strips, with handles at one end.
"But what is it?" inquired Ann.
"It's a lazy-tongs," said H.M. "You've probably seen 'em. Woolworth's used to sell toy ones; I expect they still do."