They lost not a second. It was an ape-like climb, but the two trained athletes made it in surprising time.
As they reached the top of the building a man scrambled out of the trap which led from the skylight.
"Grab him," yelled Burke.
White did so. This was prisoner number one.
Down the ladder, through the opening Burke went and found himself in a dingy garret, at the top of a rickety stair-case. He heard screams. He descended the steps half a floor and peering from the angle, through the transom of a room which led from the hall, he saw a fat old woman standing with her hands on her hips, laughing merrily, while Shepard was swinging a whip upon the shoulders of a screaming girl. Her clothes were half torn from her back, and the whip left a red welt each time it struck.
Downstairs Burke heard the crashing of breaking doors. The raid was progressing rapidly. Burke dashed down to the floor level and flung himself upon the locked door. The first lunge cracked the lock. The second swung the door back on its hinges.
He half fell into the room.
As he did so Lorna Barton saw him and in a flash of recognition, screamed: "Oh, save me, Mr. Burke!"
She staggered forward, and Shepard missed his aim, striking the fat woman who squealed with pain.
"I've got you now!" cried Burke, rushing for the ruffian with his stick.