From the side entry Bob passed into the rear room, which was separated from the sitting-room by a stairway leading to the second story.
Under these stairs were a door leading to the sitting-room and also a deep closet.
Peeping through the key-hole of the door, Bob saw the entire crowd seated around a table in the centre of the room, smoking and drinking.
“It’s almost time Mavelt was here,” observed Barker. “He is taking all day to send that message.”
“Perhaps he is waiting for an answer,” suggested Casco. “Did you tell him not to wait?”
“No.”
“Then that is what he is doing.”
“Where is Horning?”
“He said he would be here later.”
“We want this thing fully understood,” put in Raymond. “I admit it’s a big scheme, but if it don’t work, we’ll all be sent up for ten years or more.”