“I won’t.”
There was no answer, for the burglar, who had previously decided that he could not lift the trap-door, determined to see if there was no other mode of egress.
Here was Tom’s danger.
There was a door at one side, as already explained. This had hitherto escaped the burglar’s attention, for the dark-lantern lighted up only a small part of the cellar, and left the rest in gloom. Supposing the door was found, and being bolted within, it could easily be opened and egress obtained, Tom would be in a perilous position. The burglar would again enter as he had done previously, and inflamed by anger, would not only take the gold, but perhaps kill our hero.
This thought was enough to startle the bravest. Tom felt that he must have assistance, and he took the most effectual way of calling it.
He threw open the outer door, stepped into the street, and fired the revolver, not once only, but twice. In the silent street, wrapped in darkness, these two shots were heard with startling emphasis. Neighbors rushed to their windows and called out:
“What has happened? What’s the matter?”
“Help!” exclaimed Tom. “Come here at once. There’s a burglar in the cellar. Come quick, and help me secure him.”
Half a dozen men hurried on their clothes, seized arms and hurried down into the street.
Meanwhile the noise of the revolver had been heard by the trapped burglar also.