"Yes—it is the head-quarters of the Zingarees."
"So far, so good," said the porter. "Well—wait a few moments—I must see."
The trap closed—the lobby was again involved in total darkness; and for the next ten minutes the silence of death appeared to reign within the house.
At the expiration of that time the inner door was opened:; and the porter, bearing a light, appeared.
"You may enter," he said. "The Zingarees never refuse hospitality when it can be safely granted."
Markham crossed the threshold without hesitation.
The porter closed both doors with great care.
"Follow me," said the man.
He then led the way up stairs to the first floor, and conducted our hero into a room where there were several beds, all of which were unoccupied.
"You have your choice of the downies," observed the porter, with a half smile; "and I shall leave you this light. Do you require any food?"