“All but the hand-shakes,” said the other. “I didn't dare to stay while they were moving about.”
And Bates started suddenly to his feet. “Come!” he said. “We haven't any time to waste. Our work isn't done yet, by a long sight.”
He proceeded to untie the rope and coil it up. Rodney took the blanket and put it on the bed, covering it with the spread, so as to conceal the holes which had been worn by the rope. He wound up the ball of cord, and dropped it into the bag with the rest of the stuff. Bates took his hat and coat and started for the door.
“You will excuse us, Mr. Montague,” he said. “You can understand that this story will need a lot of work.”
“I understand,” said Montague.
“We'll try to thank you by and by,” added the other. “Come around after the paper goes to press, and we'll have a celebration.”
CHAPTER XX
They went out; and Montague waited a minute or two, to give them a chance to get out of the way, and then he rang the elevator bell and entered the car.