"The State police are unhappy with me, Miss Carroll. And I imagine they're not too pleased with Jess. Now they're out for blood. But I think I can outrun them." "James." Miss Carroll said, sitting up and looking behind. "If those are police officers, shouldn't you stop?" "I can't, Miss Carroll. I don't have time for them now. If my idea means anything, we've got to get there fast...." * * * * * Bram's house loomed gaunt and dark as the car whirled through the gate, ground to a stop before the porch. Tremaine jumped out, went around the car and helped Miss Carroll out. He was surprised at the firmness of her step. For a moment, in the fading light of dusk, he glimpsed her profile. _How beautiful she must have been...._ He reached into the glove compartment for a flashlight. "We haven't got a second to waste," he said. "That other car's not more than a minute behind us." He reached into the back of the car, hauled out the heavy suitcase. "I hope you remember how Bram worked that panel." On the porch Tremaine's flashlight illuminated the broken hasp. Inside, he led the way along a dark hall, pushed into the kitchen. "It was there," Miss Carroll said, pointing. Outside, an engine sounded on the highway, slowing, turning in. Headlights pushed a square of cold light across the kitchen wall. Tremaine jumped to the spot Miss Carroll had indicated, put the suitcase down, felt over the wall. "Give me the light, James," Miss Carroll said calmly. "Press there." She put the spot on the wall. Tremaine leaned against it. Nothing happened. Outside, there was the thump of car doors; a muffled voice barked orders. "Are you sure...?" "Yes. Try again, James." Tremaine threw himself against the wall, slapped at it, searching for a hidden latch. "A bit higher; Bram was a tall man. The panel opened below...." Tremaine reached higher, pounded, pushed up, sideways-- With a click a three by four foot section of wall rolled silently aside. Tremaine saw greased metal slides and, beyond, steps leading down. "They are on the porch now, James," said Miss Carroll. "The light!" Tremaine reached for it, threw a leg over the sill. He reached back, pulled the suitcase after him. "Tell them I kidnapped you, Miss Carroll. And thanks." Miss Carroll held out her hand. "Help me, James. I hung back once before. I'll not repeat my folly." Tremaine hesitated for an instant, then reached out, handed Miss Carroll in. Footsteps sounded in the hall. The flashlight showed Tremaine a black pushbutton bolted to a two by four stud. He pressed it. The panel slid back in place. Tremaine flashed the light on the stairs. "Okay, Miss Carroll," he said softly. "Let's go down." * * * * *