Page 33 - A Hero of Liége

Kenneth was now thoroughly alarmed. The Germans had a short way with
spies, or those they regarded as spies, even during peace; it was likely to be

shorter and sharper than ever on the outbreak of war. The prospect of being
taken out and shot sent cold thrills through him.

Contemplating this dark eventuality he heard heavy footsteps overhead. He
looked up, and for the first time saw a glint of light from the ceiling in one

corner of the room. The footsteps passed: all was silent again.

Kenneth sat thinking. If his suspicions were well founded, he felt that his
doom was sealed. It would be easy for a man like Hellwig to fabricate
evidence against him. In default of Finkelstein's assistance, which Hellwig

would take care to prevent, his only means of safety lay in flight. But what
chance was there of escaping from this locked and shuttered room? An

examination of the window showed the hopelessness of it.

The faint streak of light above again attracted his notice. Noiselessly

drawing the table beneath it, he mounted to examine its source. A portion
of the plaster had fallen away from the ceiling, and the light filtered

through a narrow crack in the flooring above. This discovery, under
pressure of circumstances, gave him a gleam of hope. Taking out his pocket
knife, he began to scrape quietly at the plaster, gradually enlarging the hole.

What there might be above he could not tell; judging by the passing in and
out of the footsteps the room was unoccupied.

While he was engaged on this work he heard steps in the passage without.
Springing down, he swept on to the floor, and under the table, the plaster he

had scraped from the ceiling, then stood waiting eagerly. Perhaps it was
Finkelstein at last.

The door opened. A man was thrust into the room, and the door again
locked. The newcomer swore.

"You're an Englishman?" cried Kenneth.

"Do I find a companion in adversity?" said the man. "We can condole."