Whisperings were heard at the door. Frank extinguished his light and the boys stood in darkness as complete as ever fell since the dawn of creation.
"What do you think?" asked Jack, of Frank.
"Looks like a trap."
Sandy sprang forward and seized Frank by the arm, and his voice shook as he began.
"No! It ain't no trap! I didn't bring you here to get rolled for your wads, or anythin' like that. I stopped here to get me telegraph messenger uniform. I can go anywhere in the city with that on, and not be molested. I don't know what this means, but there are Chinks all around this house."
"Perhaps you've been followed ever since you left the office," Frank suggested. "Where is your uniform?"
"Gone," replied Sandy, "an' everythin' else I had in that old box in the corner."
Frank walked to the door and opened it a trifle. There was no need to open it wider to see what kind of trouble they were in. In front, patient in the downpour, stood six Chinamen.
The flashlight dwelt on the silent row for an instant and was then turned off. Frank closed the door and stood with his back against it.
"Is there another way out?" he asked.