You better come to bed—all of ye,” grumbled the old man.

“We’re coming—in a minute.” She heard his hand fumble at the door—and it creaked again—softly—and closed.

She groped her way back to the barrel, waiting beside it in the darkness.

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

XXIX

UPSTAIRS

When the man’s head reappeared, he came up briskly.

“All right?” she asked.

“All right,” he responded.

“Did you test the other end?”