“Our sign.”
Paget raised his hands to the front of his robe. The fingers of his right hand were spread; two fingers of his left hand were extended.
The gesture signified the number seven. It satisfied the challenger.
“Our amulet,” came the next request. Paget held out his left hand, palm down. There, on his third finger, rested the scarab ring which had once been worn by Doctor George Lukens.
The hooded challenger leaned forward to inspect it. He showed his approval by stepping backward.
Paget, without noticeable hesitation, took his place near the wall beside the three hooded men who stood there.
An ominous silence hung over that group of strangely clad men. The suspense chilled Rodney Paget.
They were waiting, and no motion was made by any one. At length, seven light taps were heard.
The hooded chief stepped forward and tapped the sliding door seven times. Six knocks came in reply.
The wall moved to the side and another hooded man entered. He answered the challenges that had been given to Rodney Paget.