“Yes, it’s me, Vermont. But don’t stop to ask no questions now. I’m here to help you get out, but this blamed old door is locked, and I hain’t got no key, nor no light, nor nothin’.”
After exchanging a few words, Herbert took from his pocket a piece of paper. This he made into a taper, which he lighted and passed up through the knot hole to Bob. With this the latter lighted the gas; and now he felt that he was in a position to be of some service to his friend.
A careful search failed to reveal any keys. Then the two boys discussed the situation, and presently Herbert passed a bent nail to the young detective, and instructed him how to operate on the lock, which speedily yielded to the boy’s efforts. In another instant the trap door was thrown up, and, by a most unfortunate blunder, it fell back with a tremendous crash.
Herbert, however, emerged quickly from his cold, damp prison, with a look of consternation pictured upon his face. Both he and Bob knew that old Gunwagner would be upon them in less than a minute, and they hastily prepared to defend themselves.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE OLD FENCE IN A TRAP.
“What shall we do?” said Bob, with no little alarm, as Herbert Randolph climbed up through the old trap door.
“We must defend ourselves,” replied the young Vermonter, with characteristic firmness.