emed, he had only chafed his wrists and his temper and
drawn the knots tighter.

The extreme stillness of the house suggested that Aunt Liza might be
indulging in a siesta, and he determined to reach the window if he
could. Patiently rolling and hunching himself in the desired
direction, he finally made it. He then by a course of gymnastics
finally succeeded in getting to his feet. With his chin he knocked up
the hook that fastened the shutter, and after many attempts succeeded
in pulling the shutter open with his teeth. Even then he was no nearer
freedom, for the sash was down, though most of the panes were missing.
And Aunt Liza came in and caught him in the act.

"Sho! honey what yo' tryin' to do!" she said reproachfully. "Turn
around and sit down."

There was nothing for Evan to do but obey, whereupon she coolly seized
his heels, and pulled him across the floor. She fastened up the
shutter again. After that she visited him more frequently, and as long
as he was a "good boy" was disposed to be quite friendly and sociable.

Towards the end of the afternoon the "club-members" began to arrive.
Evidently they came on foot for there was no sound of automobile.
Evan, whose only useful sense was hearing, thought he could distinguish
eight or nine individuals at different times. None opened his door.
The principal gathering place seemed to be the room over his head. A
low-voiced hum of conversation came down to him but he could
distinguish no words. Frequently there was laughter, which had a
particularly devilish and unfeeling ring to Evan.

Aunt Liza served another meal.

Later she entered his room carrying a bandana handkerchief.

"What's that for?" demanded Evan.

"To blind yo' eyes, honey."

"What for?"

"The gemmen wants to see yo' upstairs."

Any prospect seemed better than lying bound alone in the semi-dark, and
Evan submitted. Aunt Liza made very sure that he could not see under
the bandage over his eyes. Then untying the knots that bound his
ankles, she helped him to his feet, and steered him out through the
door. Placing his foot on the bottom step she bade him mount the
stairs. At the top she led him towards the front of the building and
through a doorway into the middle of a room. Here she left him. He
heard her steps recede, and heard her close the door behind her.

There he stood bound and blind facing--he knew not what. A thick
excitement choked him. Nobody spoke, but his shar