Orme helped the girl up, and together they went to the outer light. For a moment they could do nothing but breathe, so good the fresh air of the reception-room seemed to them. Then, looking at the man again, Orme saw that it was the clerk to whom Alcatrante had made his accusation two hours before. "How did you come to be in there?" the clerk demanded. Orme hesitated; then he decided to make no charges. "I got rid of that crazy fellow who was following me around," he said, "and I came back, and this young lady and I went in to examine your refrigerator. The door was ajar, and someone pushed it shut and locked it. We should have smothered if you had not come." "It was the merest chance," said the clerk. "My work kept me late. As I was leaving, I happened to glance at the thermometer dial here. It registered below freezing. I couldn't understand that, for there is no ice in the refrigerator, so I opened the door to see." "I broke the coil," explained Orme, "in the hope that the night watchman might be interested in the dial." "Well," said the clerk, drawing a long breath, "you had a close shave. There isn't any night watchman--at least not in this office. If I had balanced my books on time to-day, you two would have stayed where you were until to-morrow morning." "I will come in to-morrow to see Mr. Wallingham and explain everything. I will pay for a new thermometer, too, if he will let me." "I don't think he will let you do that," said the clerk. "He will be grateful that nothing worse happened." "Yes, I believe he will," replied Orme. He glanced at the clock. It was a quarter after seven. Going back into the chamber which, had been the scene of both their danger and their happiness, he got his coat and the girl's hat. The parchment papers crackled in his pocket as he put the coat on. The girl, meantime, adjusted her hat. "Say," said the clerk, holding the outer door open for them to pass through, "was that fellow's story about your holding notes of ours--was there anything in it?" "Absolutely untrue," replied Orme. "He must have had you confused with somebody else." "He must have." Orme held out his hand. "Many thanks to you for saving our lives." Then Orme and the girl made their way to the elevator. CHAPTER XV FROM THE DEVIL TO THE DEEP SEA "How shall we go?" asked Orme, as they descended to the street level. "By train. There is no other convenient way, since my car is at home." She looked at him doubtfully, and added, "but they will be watching the railroad stations." He nodded. "A motor would be safer--if we can get one." He gave her hand a secret pressure while the elevator-boy was opening the door for them, and as she passed before him she flashed upon him a look so filled with love and trust that the sudden thrill of his happiness almost stifled him.