The knocking seemed to shake the house, so violent it was, so insistent; and Stewart, petrified, stood staring numbly. But his companion was quicker than he. In an instant she had run to the light and blown it out. Then she was back at his side. "The moment they are in the house," she said, "raise the window as silently as you can and unbolt the shutter." And then she was gone again, and he could hear her moving about near the door. Again the knocking came, louder than before. It could mean only one thing, Stewart told himself--their ruse had been discovered--a party of soldiers had come to arrest them---- He drew a quick breath. What then? He closed his eyes dizzily--what had she said? "A file of soldiers in front, a wall behind!" But that should never be! They must kill him first! And then he sickened as he realized how puny he was, how utterly powerless to protect her---- He heard shuffling footsteps approach along the hall, and a glimmer of light showed beneath the door. For an instant Stewart stared at it uncomprehending--then he smiled to himself. The girl, quicker witted than he, had pulled away the things that had been stuffed there. "Who is it?" called the voice of their landlady. "It is I, Frau Ritter," answered the voice of the police agent. "Open quickly." A key rattled in a lock, the door was opened, and the party stepped inside. Stewart, at the window, raised the sash and pulled back the bolt. He could hear the confused murmur of voices--men's voices---- Then he felt a warm hand in his and lips at his ear. "It is the person from Strassburg," she breathed. "He has been brought here for the night. There is no danger. Bolt the shutter again--but softly." She was gone again, and Stewart, with a deep breath that was almost a sob, thrust home the bolt. The voices were clearer now--or perhaps it was the singing of his blood that was stilled--and he could hear their words. "You will give this gentleman a room," said the secret agent. "Yes, Excellency." "How are your other guests?" "I have heard nothing from them, Excellency, since they retired." Suddenly Stewart felt his hat lifted from his head and a hand rumpling his hair. "Take off your coat," whispered a voice. "Open the door a little and demand less noise. Say that I am asleep!" It was a call to battle, and Stewart felt his nerves stiffen. Without a word he threw off his coat and tore off his collar. Then he moved away the chair from before the door, opened it, and put one eye to the crack. There were five people in the hall--the woman, the secret agent, two soldiers, and a man in civilian attire. "What the deuce is the matter out there?" he demanded. It did his heart good to see how they jumped at the sound of his voice. "Your pardon, sir," said the officer, stepping toward him. "I hope we have not disturbed you." "Disturbed me? Why, I thought you were knocking the house down!"