“Yes, and suppose it wasn’t!” he whispered almost fiercely.
One fact stood out clearly. Spider’s post was vacant. It must be filled at once.
After locking the door, he slid over to Drew’s side.
“Spider’s gone,” he said.
“Gone? Where?” Drew did not raise his voice.
“Who knows? His place is empty.”
“You take it,” was Drew’s instant command. “Take Alice with you. I’ll move over where you were.
“Gone!” he murmured as Johnny glided away into the darkness. “Spider’s gone!”
CHAPTER XXIV
A STRANGE VICTORY
Apparently it is true that, under certain circumstances at least, one can recognize a person by his whisper. Certain it is that Grace Krowl, upon opening her door for a second time that night and upon hearing the whispered message, “Merry Christmas, Grace Krowl,” said without a moment’s hesitation: