CHAPTER IX
WILLIAM PHILANDER TURNS THE TABLES
It was useless to try to open the door. The lock was filled up with a wad of paper that refused to budge.
"If it's only paper we can burn it out," suggested Sam. "But it may scorch the door."
"We'll go through by the way of Songbird's room," said Tom.
There was a door connecting the two rooms. It was not supposed to be used, for one of the beds was against it. But the bed was rolled to one side by Tom. Songbird and his roommate had already gone below.
"Here's the key," said Sam, bringing it from a nearby nail. "It's a wonder William Philander didn't plug this keyhole, too."
"Maybe he didn't have time," answered Tom. "Always supposing it really was Tubbs."
"That's so—iy may have been somebody else."
The connecting door was unlocked and Tom and Sam walked into their own apartment. Both gave a cry of astonishment.