She waited expectantly. Noiselessly, the door swung back on its hinges. At first Penny could not see who it was that had come in. But as he moved toward her, she recognized Jerry Barrows.
"Don't be afraid," he told her in a whisper. "I've come to help you."
Penny was relieved to know that the boy had not been seriously injured by the blow he had received from Brunner. She tried to speak but could not.
Quickly, he bent and untied the cloth about her mouth.
"Why are you doing this?" Penny whispered.
"Because you helped me once when I was in trouble," the boy told her instantly. "Besides, I hate Brunner."
"He has forced you to continue in crime against your will?"
"Yes."
"Your real name is not Jerry Barrows," Penny stated.
The boy paused in untying the cords about her wrists.