Mr. Curtis had it put in to
protect himself from burglars. You are not to venture outside this
room, Mr. Barnes. I forbid it. You--"
"How did Sprouse get out? You said your door was locked."
He sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. She was still trembling
violently. He took her hand in his and held it tightly.
"He had a key. I do not know where he obtained--"
"Skeleton key, such as burglars use. By Jove, what a wonderful burglar
he would make! Courage, Miss Cameron! He will be here soon. Then comes
the real adventure,--my part of it. I didn't come here to-night to get
any flashy old crown jewels. I came to take you out of--"
"You--you know about the crown jewels?" she murmured. Her body seemed
to stiffen.
"Very little. They are nothing to me."
"Then you know who I am?"
"No. You will tell me to-morrow."
"Yes, yes,--to-morrow," she whispered, and fell to shivering again.
For some time there was silence. Both were listening intently for
sounds in the hall; both were watching the door with unblinking eyes.
She leaned closer to whisper in his ear. Their shoulders touched. He
wondered if she experienced the same delightful thrill that ran
through his body.
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