"Dr. Medjora," cried Barnes, "you are committing a crime in setting this house afire!"
"You are mistaken. This house is mine, and not insured."
"But there are people in it!"
"They will have ample time to escape!"
"But I? How shall I escape?"
"I do not intend that you shall escape."
"Do you mean to murder me?"
"Have patience and you will see. There, I guess that fire will not be easily extinguished." Then to the amazement of young Barnes the Doctor stepped back into the passageway, and closed and locked the door. Thus they were in total darkness, in a small passageway having no exit save the doors at each end, both of which were locked. Already the fire could be heard roaring, and bright gleams of light appeared through the chinks in the oak door. At this moment voices were heard in the next room. The Doctor brushed Barnes to one side and took the place near the crevice to hear what passed.
"Madam," said the voice of a man evidently a policeman, "where is Dr.
Medjora?"
"Dr. Medjora?" replied the woman. "Why, how should I know?"