There came a murmur of voices.

Then a momentary lull.
Jimmie Dale listened.

Like a statue he stood there in the black, absolutely motionless--his head a little forward and to one side.
Nothing--not a sound.

Then a very low, curious, swishing noise, and a faint creak.

SOMEBODY WAS COMING DOWN THE STAIRS! Jimmie Dale moved stealthily from the recess, and noiselessly to the desk.