"The spring is sure to be rusty. It will need all your strength. Try it again."
She tried again.
"It does give--it does! But whatever it is supposed to open is not likely to act now that the wall has been repapered. Some one go and fetch the hammer and the chisel from downstairs--we'll try another way."
She glanced at Jack, as if intending the suggestion to apply to him. But Ella clung to his arm, which perhaps prevented him from moving with the speed which might have been expected.
"Will no one go?" cried Madge. "Why, then, I'll go myself."
But that Bruce Graham would not permit. Swiftly depositing his still unconscious burden on Ella's bed, he went in search of the required tools, returning almost as soon as he had gone.
"I think, Miss Brodie, that perhaps you had better allow me to try my hand. I am stronger than you."
She gave way to him unhesitatingly.
"Drive the chisel into the wall and see if it is hollow."
He did as she bade him. A couple of blows put the thing beyond a doubt. The chisel disappeared up to the hilt through what was evidently but an outer shell. Madge continued to issue her instructions.