The evening wore on. Would I come to the garden tryst?
Jetta could not break her bonds. But gradually she had mouthed the gag loose. Then she heard my hurried footsteps in the patio; then my tense voice.
And at her answer I was pounding on her door. But it had been stoutly sealed by Spawn. I flung my shoulder against it, raging, thumping. But the heavy metal panels would not yield; the seal held intact.
"Jetta!"
"Philip, run away! They want to catch you! De Boer, the bandit, is coming!"
"I know it!"
Fool that I was, to pause with talk! There was no time: I must get Jetta out of here. Break down this door.
But it would not yield. A gas torch would melt this outer seal. Was there a torch here at Spawn's? But I had no time to search for a torch! Or a bar with which to ram this door—
A panic seized me, with the fresh realization that any instant De Boer and his men would arrive. I beat with futile fists on the door, and Jetta from within, calling to me to get away before I was caught.
This accursed door between us!