I promise faithfully not to explore."
"Right you are."
Antony sat down on the ledge of bricks, swung his feet over, and
sat there for a moment, his legs dangling. He flashed his torch
into the darkness again, so as to make sure where the steps
began; then returned it to his pocket, seized the staple in front
of him and swung himself down. His feet touched the steps
beneath him, and he let go.
"Is it all right?" said Bill anxiously.
"All right. I'll just go down to the bottom of the steps and
back. Stay there."
The light shone down by his feet. His head began to disappear.
For a little while Bill, craning down the opening, could still
see faint splashes of light, and could hear slow uncertain
footsteps; for a little longer he could fancy that he saw and
heard them; then he was alone ....
Well, not quite alone. There was a sudden voice in the hall
outside.
"Good Lord!" said Bill, turning round with a start, "Cayley!"
If he was not so quick in thought as Antony, he was quick enough
in action. Thought was not demanded now.
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