Some one was working at the pillars that held the barrier! It was imagination no longer! Who could it be?
THE sound continued, while Betty gasped the stifling air. She seemed to be breathing blackness itself. She was too exhausted to again struggle with her bonds!
The gag had fallen from her mouth, but the girl was far too weak to cry out.
Help was coming, but it would be too late!
The noise ceased at the barrier. Silence followed.
Betty slumped to the floor. She knew that death was close.
Her ears detected another sound — a sharp click. Then came a gust of pure, fresh air.
The girl could not realize what had happened. She could only breathe in gladness.
There was another click, and a beam of light swept through the room. Betty looked up into the glare of a flashlight.
For the first time she comprehended that the barrier had been opened. Then fear robbed her of hope.