He drew a flashlight
from his pocket, and when he thought he was close to the place
where he and Bart had previously located the door he cautiously
played the tiny spot of light over the ground. At first he thought
he must be mistaken, as this part of the alley seemed to be like
all the rest. But, looking closer, his heart leaped as he made out
the outline of a heavy iron ring, lying flat in a recess in the
pavement, and almost covered with gravel and dust. So cunningly
was it concealed that it would inevitably have escaped observation
unless one were actually looking for it.
"There's a trap door here, all right," he exulted. "Now, I wonder
if I can get in, or if it will be fastened from the inside. Here
goes to find out."
With the thought, he worked the iron ring loose from the dirt, set
himself for the effort, and gave a tentative tug. The door did not
give a particle, and he tried again, this time putting every ounce
of his strength into the effort. The door gave a little, but with
all his strength Frank could not lift it more than an inch or two.
He tried again and again, but with no better result, and at last,
to his great disappointment he was forced to give over the attempt
for the time being.
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