The two intruders listened. Voices sounded, and then died away. A moment later they heard a thud, and knew that the old man had passed beyond the white-enamelled door and had closed it behind him.
For another few minutes they remained in silence, then Max whispered:
“What shall we do?”
“We must get out of here,” answered his friend promptly. “We’re caught like a rat in a trap. To open either of the doors leading into the house is impossible. We must try and make our exit by the back,” and, groping his way, he moved to the door, which opened on to a small, paved backyard.
But it had been secured. Levi, indeed, kept it always locked, and the key was not there.
“To break this open will create a noise, and arouse somebody,” Max remarked.
“Well, we must get out at all hazards. We can’t stay here till morning and court discovery,” Rolfe argued. “If we only had a little light we might see what we’re doing. By Jove! You’ve got a pocket-lamp, Max. Where is it?”
“Is it safe yet to show a light?” Barclay asked dubiously. “It may be seen from outside, you know!”
“It can’t. There’s a blank wall opposite.”
“But will not the reflection be seen by Levi from below?” asked Max.