“It’s closed.”

“Good, said Rollison. “I’m going to put the light out. Just stay where you are, I’ll be back in a moment.”

He crossed the room and put his hand to the switch; there was a faint click, and the light went out. Barbara stood in the darkness, staring towards the door. She heard it open and thought there was a faint creak as Rollison went out. A second creak was much louder; the kitchen door squeaked, he was opening that. A moment later a window rattled—very loudly.

It kept rattling, as if a high wind were buffeting it, but the window of the sitting-room didn’t move, so it couldn’t be the wind.

CHAPTER FOUR

INTRUDER

INSIDE the flat all was quiet. Rollison stood by the kitchen door, seeing the outline of the window and the starlit sky beyond— and the head and shoulders of a man outside.

He waited only long enough to convince himself that a man was standing on the fire-escape, then closed the door. The key was on the outside; he turned it, and went back to the sitting-room. He could just make out Barbara Allen, standing in front of her chair.

“Can you see me?” he called softly.

“Ju—just,” she answered unsteadily.

“A man’s trying to get in,” said Rollison in a matter-of-fact voice. “Will you do exactly what I tell you?”

“Yes.”

Then go to your bedroom, undress and get into bed,” said Rollison. “He’s probably come to question you, as the flat’s already been searched. We might find out what he’s after. You’ve several minutes to get ready, I’ve locked the kitchen door. All clear?”

“Yes,” whispered Barbara. She was shivering.

“We might find out what’s behind it all,” Rollison said. “He won’t dream that I’m listening. Which is your bedroom?”

“Opposite this room.” She was calmer now; he’d given her both confidence and hope.

“Good—come on,” said Rollison

He drew to one side as she came towards him, her figure a clear silhouette against the window. She made no fuss, passed him and went through a doorway—he couldn’t see her then. The bedroom door closed. The rattling at the window stopped and after a pause he heard a thud; the man was now in the kitchen.