And yet as the thoughts rushed through his mind, he knew deep down somewhere within him that they were all wrong, and knew that though the ladders never came he would not leave the youth that sat shaking, terrified beside him.
“But they must come!” he muttered. And leaning out he called at the top of his voice for help. And then, around the corner of the house, from the back, rushed two figures and stared upward at him. They waved their hands excitedly.
“Keep up! The ladder’s coming! Can you hold out a minute?”
“Yes,” cried Dick.
Perhaps the first temptation, as feeble as it had proved, had paved the way and weakened his conscience for that which now assailed him.
“At least make him pay for it!” whispered a voice. “It is worth anything you can ask. Remember how he has injured you. Make your bargain!”
He turned suddenly toward the lolling figure.
“Taylor, do you hear me?”
“Yes,” came the answer, weak and trembling.
“Do you know who I am?” There was no reply.