The four hurled themselves again at the weakened door. This time there was more effect than at first.
Another crash resounded through the building, and, as the door toppled, the quartet went sprawling into the room, with Patsy and Chick landing with a bump against the heavy table in the middle.
Nick Carter and Paul Clayton fell on top of the door.
The detective was the first to gain his feet. He had caught a glimpse of something under the table that made him rush over in a hurry.
“Push this table away!” he shouted.
His two assistants and Paul Clayton put their hands to the ponderous piece of furniture and shoved.
Heavy as it was, it had good, easy casters. Therefore the table rolled away several feet at once.
As it did so, there was revealed, lying on the floor, Jabez Portersham, his eyes asking dumbly for assistance.
The gag was in his mouth, and the cruel wires with which he had been bound were cutting into his flesh. He was nearly exhausted.
“Heaven save us!” ejaculated Captain Douglas. “It’s Mr. Portersham!”