"This way!" said a voice which he recognized as Old Danny's.
Broadbrim did not move.
He was lying along the stairs in the gloom waiting for something to show him the true situation.
"I'm down," repeated Danny, far below. "It's all right, sir. This way to Merle."
Broadbrim started up again.
If Danny had reached the floor beneath then why not he, too?
He was more than a match for this old man with the ape-like shoulders and scarred face.
And he had crossed the sea to find Merle Macray, and now he would not let him escape.
Once more, pistol in hand, the detective of New York started down the stairs.
He counted three more steps, and put his foot forward again.