“Is he locked in?”

“Well, I reckon.”

“Come up with me, Tip, and, if I find it’s true, I’ll give you the dollar.”

“Come along, den.”

Tip went up the rickety staircase, two steps at a time, and Samuel Standish followed in a more leisurely way.

Arrived at the landing, Standish signaled to Tip to knock on the door.

Tip did so.

“Is you dere?” he asked.

“Yes; let me out!” cried Gerald eagerly.