“No; he went out to join the soldiers. I see him.”

“Then our way is clear. Now, Plum, I want you to brace yourself as best you can, and when I give the word throw all your weight against the door with me.”

“Going to try and break it down?”

“Yes; ready?”

“Ready.”

“Now then, together!”

The old door shook and creaked beneath their combined efforts, but it withstood the shock.

“Again--together!”

This time the whole building trembled, and the door creaked and groaned, but still defied them.

“Still again--together!”