I fumbled at the letter-slit in the door as though I were the postman endeavoring to introduce a packet, and dropped my pocket-book on the floor outside. This I knew to be the habit of these officials when a newspaper proved too bulky. Then, quietly picking up the pocket-book, I descended the stairs with as much noise as possible, till I thought I was out of hearing, when I turned and ran lightly up again. Just as I was quietly approaching the top of the flight I saw the door open and the astonished Dick confront his sister. I stopped.
“Daisy!” he exclaimed, in a tone which seemed to be made up of several emotions.
“Dick!” she replied, her self-control just failing to keep her voice quite steady.
“Was it you who knocked?” he asked, more suspiciously than kindly.
“No, Dick; it was I who look that liberty,” I answered, continuing my ascent.
He turned with a start, for he had not seen me.
“You?” he said, sharply. “It was a dodge, then, to—”
“To induce you to break from cover. Yes, my friend, to such extremities have you driven us.”
“In what capacity have you come?” he asked, with ominous coolness.