"Knock!" suggested Jackson. But when Tom had done so, and there
was no answer, the machinist took hold of the lock. To his own
surprise and that of Tom, one of the staples pulled out and the
door swung open. The place had evidently been forced before, and
the lock had not been opened by a key. The staple had been pulled
out and replaced loosely in the holes.
For a moment nothing could be made out in the dark interior of
the shack. But as their eyes became used to the gloom, Tom and
his companion were able to see that the shack consisted of two
rooms.
In the first one there was a rusty stove, a table, and some
chairs, and it was evident, from pans and skillets hanging on the
wall, as well as from a small cupboard built on one side, that
this was the kitchen and living room combined.
"Anybody here?" cried Tom, as he stepped inside.
Only a dull echo answered.
The two could now see where a door gave entrance to an inner
room, and this, a quick glance showed, was the sleeping
apartment, two bunks being built on the side walls.
"Well, somebody had it pretty comfortable here," decided Tom,
as he looked around.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203