Using the edge of a rough stone as a saw she was laboriously severing the cord which tied her wrists. At length her persistence was rewarded and the frayed ends of the rope fell apart.
In fifteen seconds she stood up free.
Chapter XVI.
In another cellar, similarly shackled, the resolute detective was exerting all his mighty strength to burst his bonds.
With a superhuman effort he broke the cord which held his arms, and in fifteen seconds he also was free.
Chapter XVII.
In a small room in the same house the detective's daughter methodically pressed her hand against picture after picture hung on the walls. Her face was grimly determined.
At last she was successful. A large section of the wall slid back, revealing a dark opening.
After a few seconds' natural hesitation the brave girl stepped through the aperture.