"Let's divide up that ammunition, now," he said.

This was done and the three returned to the parlor. Frank glanced at
his watch.

"Five minutes to twelve," he said. "We'll wait until midnight and not a
second longer."

To this the others agreed.

"I guess you were right after all," Frank told his companions. "Still I
can't understand this thing at all."

"You'll probably understand it better when you stick your head out the
door and a bullet hits close to it," said Harris, grimly.

"No; I don't believe there is anything like that going to happen,"
Frank declared. "Maybe he was detained and couldn't get back on time."

"When he gets back he'll find us missing," said Harris.

"He will unless he hurries," Frank agreed.

The minutes passed slowly; but at last the hands of Frank's watch
pointed to midnight.

The lad closed the case of his watch with a snap and rose to his feet.
He examined his revolver carefully to make sure it was in working order
and then said:

"Time's up; may as well be moving."

The three advanced cautiously to the front door. Behind, the house was
perfectly dark.

"Careful when you open the door, Frank," Jack warned. "Stoop down.
There is no telling what may be lurking out there."

Frank heeded this warning. Stooping, he opened the door, threw it wide
and looked out.

"Coast clear," he announced.

He was about to step out when the sound of hurried footsteps came to
his ears.

"Wait a minute," Frank whispered. "Some one coming."

A man appeared down the street. He came nearer. Frank gave an
exclamation of satisfaction:

"Come on back to the parlor," he whispered. "Here he comes now."

CHAPTER XXV

TOWARD FREEDOM

Jack and Harris obeyed Frank's injunction and the three flitted back to
the parlor silently.

A moment later the front door opened softly and directly the officer
appeared in the parlor door.

"I came almost not getting here," he said with a smile. "Did you get
tired waiting?"

"So tired," said Frank, "that we were just about to leave when I
chanced to see you coming down the street."

"So? Well, you would have had a hard time escaping, I am afraid. Now,
my way it will be easier. I have had my means of escape laid out ever
since I arrived here. Unless something unforeseen occurs, we should be
able to get away without difficulty."

"I am sure I hope so," declared Frank.

Their captor surveyed the three closely.

"I see you are all ready," he sai