Briggs lost his indecision. He realized that Bob was right. There were no pangs of remorse governing the big man. He had suggested keeping the girl alive simply as a matter of policy — not through any feeling of pity. Now he realized that Bob’s plan, even though it had no flexibility, was decisive and positive.
Bob was explaining that fact now.
“We found the hidden room,” came his low words. “It was the wrong place. We have no more use for it. We’ve closed it up. It’s forgotten from now on.
“The girl’s in there — and she’s forgotten, too. Why go back to the place? We’re through — that’s all!”
Briggs nodded. He was satisfied.
“Here, Clink.” Bob tossed a bunch of keys to the man with the hideous face. “Go on duty. Stay out in the big hall, and if you hear anything, find out what it is.”
Clink’s face became contorted. His attempt to smile made his features more gruesome than before.
Bob remembered the fascination that had gripped this monstrous man while they had been in the cellar, outside the wall of the secret room.
“Keep out of the cellar, Clink,” was Bob’s warning. “Remember what I told Briggs just now. That’s all forgotten. So far as we are concerned, the girl is dead now.
“Don’t go anywhere, except the hall, unless you hear something suspicious. Understand?”