“All right,” Holloway sneered. “I never argue when I’m looking into a muzzle.”
Before the Master could retreat, there was another disturbance from inside the machinery room. Unmistakably, the door rattled.
“Someone is in there!” Holloway exclaimed.
Startled, the Master postponed his flight. Still holding the revolver, he tried to open the door, but found it locked.
For those hiding on the stairway, the situation had become a tense one. In another moment, the members of the Black Hoods unquestionably would break the door lock and find Charley Phelps.
“Let’s take ’em, Chief!” whispered Jerry, who was eager for action. “Now is our only chance.”
“All set!” Mr. Parker gave the signal.
With a concerted rush, the four young men leaped down the stairway, hurling themselves on Holloway and the masked man. Catching the latter unaware, Jerry knocked the revolver from his hand and it went spinning over the floor.
Penny started down the stairway, but Mr. Parker pushed her back.
“Stay where you are!” he ordered as he too joined the fray.