Fighting in the dark was dangerous business. A wild blow might send his hand crashing into a steel case or against a desk and his knuckles might be broken but it was a chance Bob had to take and he slammed away with a will.
Suddenly the man went limp. Bob caught him, fearing a ruse, and shot home one more hard right. Then he knew that the other was out—out cold, and he suddenly went weak himself.
Fists were beating against the door.
“Open up, open up!” It was Merritt Hughes’ voice.
Bob managed a reply.
“Coming,” he called. “Just a minute.”
“You all right?” demanded the federal agent, but Bob was too weak and tired to reply.
Somehow he managed to dig the key out of his pocket and with trembling fingers he found the keyhole, inserted the key and turned the lock. The door burst open to reveal Bob standing on wavering legs, and Merritt Hughes caught him just as he collapsed.
Chapter VIII
THE PAPER VANISHES
★
Lights from a whole battery of flashlights seemed to blaze down at Bob and he blinked hard as Merritt Hughes leaned over him.