The front one was absolutely bare, but the back one contained an old stove, a broken-down sink and a rickety chair.

At one side was a good-sized closet.

Opening it, Grace found nothing save a dilapidated old coat.
Just then she caught the sound of rough voices just outside the cottage.
"I tell ye, Bill, we've got to do the job to-night and hike for the West on that train that goes through Oakdale at 3.15 in the morning," said a voice that was almost a growl.
"I'm wid yer, Jim," answered another voice in correspondingly savage tones.

"Even to layin' a few out stiff if dey gets in de way." Grace listened.

She heard heavy footsteps, and, peeping into the room, she saw a burly figure outlined in the front door in the act of entering.