At a command he went down the stairs to
the basement.
"Turn to the right," instructed Duval.
Hal obeyed. At the far end of the cellar they came to a little room.
Duval motioned Hal into it and followed himself, as did his lieutenant.
The latter now kept Hal covered, while Duval tapped the walls with the
butt of his revolver.
"Perfectly solid, you see," he said to Hal.
"I see," replied Hal.
Duval struck the open door several resounding blows.
"Also perfectly solid," he remarked. "If you had a gun now you
might possibly blow the lock off, but, as you haven't, you will be
safe enough."
He turned to his aide.
"You are sure he was not armed?"
"Sure. I searched him carefully."
"All right. Then there is no need to search him again."
With his revolver he covered the lad while he backed from the
little room.
"Good-by," he said, and jumping out quickly, slammed the door closed.
"Good-by," Hal called after him, without a tremor.
"When the water begins to rise," shouted Duval, through the door, "you
may lose some of your nerve.
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