THE SECRET PANEL
Norton made his hiding place in safety; and by and by he could hear the guests moving about in the room. Then all sounds ceased for a while. A door closed sharply.
"No; here you must stay, young lady," said a man's voice.
"What do you mean, sir?" demanded the beloved voice.
"It means that no one will return to this room and that you will not be missed until it is too late."
The sound of voices stopped abruptly, and something like scuffling ensued. Later Norton heard the back of a chair strike the panel and some one sat heavily upon it. He waited perhaps five minutes; then he gently slid back the panel. Florence sat bound and gagged under his very eyes. It was but the work of a moment to liberate her.
"It is I, Jim. Do not speak or make the least noise. Follow me."
Greatly astonished, Florence obeyed; and the panel slipped back into place. The room behind the secret panel had barred windows. To Florence it appeared to be a real prison.