His chance, he thought, lay in strategy. It was impossible to open the trap-door from above, he had found by investigation. There was but one way to get to Miss Gray, and that was by means of a daring ruse. Trusting to luck, he tapped gently on the floor at the spot where memory told him the trap-door was situated. His heart was thumping violently.
There was a movement below him, and then the sound of some one handling the bolts in the door. Bonner drew back, hoping against hope that a light would not be shown. In one hand he held his revolver ready for use; in the other his heavy walking stick. His plans were fully developed. After a moment the trap was lifted partially and a draft of warm air came out upon him.
CHAPTER XXII
Jack, the Giant Killer
"That you, Sam?" half whispered a man's voice. There was no light.
"Sh!" hissed Bonner, muffling his voice. "Is everybody in?"
"Bill's waitin' fer you outside. Ma an' me are here. Come on down. What's up?"
"How's the girl?"
"Bellerin' like a baby. Ma's with her in the cave. Hurry up! This thing's heavy."