It had. And one of those three had fallen before a flash, as of light.
And another!
But the third had the key in the door; had turned it, when Eugene struck him from behind. With a wild yell he flung his full weight on the door; it burst open, and the two fell headlong into the tower beyond.
But only for a second. Eugene Smith was up again, had the key out, and in on the further side.
"All right!" he shouted; "make a rush for it! I'm ready!"
Vincent Dering gave one sharp look round. The door was not four yards from him, but the crowd was not one. There was no time. "Shut it," he called, "I'm all right."
Eugene Smith stood uncertain; the door ajar.
The keys! ah! what could he do with the keys if he went back to help--and if not--
"Oh! please shut it, Smith! there's a good fellow; please."
The four yards were two now, were one. Then slowly the door closed, and Vincent had his back against it.