It would take a long time to cut through it with such tools as the detective had.
He must pass out, if at all, through the chophouse.
After some little delay he crept to the head of the stairs and listened.
Gilmore and Geary were still in the place.
He could hear them talking in subdued tones.
The lights were out in the dining room, and the place was evidently closed for the night.
They were waiting for the return of Parks and Nixon.
Chick tried the knob of the cellar door.
It turned easily, and the door opened without noise.
It was very dark in that part of the room, and the detective ventured forth.