Harry produced a revolver from his pocket, and gave it to the girl. He had slipped two automatics in his coat when he had left his room.
For an instant he had qualms. Suppose Arlette was deceiving him! Then his doubts vanished. The girl would not have saved him once, and warned him again unless she intended to be his friend.
Harry conducted Arlette to the kitchen. There she would not be seen by any one entering the house.
There was only one course to follow. He must search the premises, carefully watching for any traps that might have been laid for him. The enemy might already be in the house.
It was more likely that he was still outside. In that case, Arlette could watch the door while Harry searched. But first there was an important duty to make sure that Professor Whitburn was safe.
Harry stationed Arlette so that she could see the outer door, looking into the living room from the kitchen.
“Be ready,” he whispered. “If any one enters the house, shoot. Not too quickly; be sure it is an enemy — “
“I shall recognize the man who came here,” replied Arlette. “He has never injured me; in fact, he once saved me from harm. But your life is at stake, Harry, and — and — “
Harry pressed the girl’s hand in the darkness. Then he left the room.
Harry crossed the living room, and knocked at the door opposite. Then he entered through the passage.