t the wall.

Presently her eyes riveted upon the closed door. Was it imagination or
had it opened a tiny crack? Distinctly, she could notice a widening
streak of light.

She waited expectantly. Noiselessly, the door swung back on its
hinges. At first Penny could not see who it was that had come in. But
as he moved toward her, she recognized Jerry Barrows.

"Don't be afraid," he told her in a whisper. "I've come to help you."

Penny was relieved to know that the boy had not been seriously injured
by the blow he had received from Brunner. She tried to speak but could
not.

Quickly, he bent and untied the cloth about her mouth.

"Why are you doing this?" Penny whispered.

"Because you helped me once when I was in trouble," the boy told her
instantly. "Besides, I hate Brunner."

"He has forced you to continue in crime against your will?"

"Yes."

"Your real name is not Jerry Barrows," Penny stated.

The boy paused in untying the cords about her wrists.

"No, that isn't my own name," he admitted.

"You are Jimmie Davis," Penny accused.

The boy stared. "How did you know?"

"From a photograph."

"You haven't told my father?" he demanded nervously.

"No, I've said nothing of it to anyone. But I think the only way out
for you is to make a clean breast of everything."

"I mean to tell the truth if I ever get away from here alive."

"You'll testify against Brunner and Molberg?" Penny questioned eagerly.

"Yes, if we can manage to escape. The main door is guarded."

"I came in through a window," Penny told him. "Perhaps we can get out
the same way."

The instant her bonds had been cut, she sprang to her feet. They moved
noiselessly to the door. Jimmie opened it a crack, then closed it
hastily. Penny could hear footsteps.

"It's Brunner!" the boy whispered. "I think he suspects."

They braced themselves against the door. The knob turned slowly. Then
a man's weight was hurled against the panel.

"Open that door!" Brunner shouted furiously, "Open or I'll break it
down."

There was no escape from the room for it was without windows. Penny
and her companion held the door as long as they could, but when Rap
Molberg had come in response to his chief's call, the result was
inevitable. A panel splintered and then the door gave way.

Penny and her companion retreated against the wall.

"So you thought you'd help her escape!" Brunner sneered, confronting
the boy. "I thought I'd find yo