m, and help was coming.

As the news spread, people flocked out in the hall, filled with dread lest
the two officers had been killed.

They peered down the shafts through the grill work and when some saw the
car, a shout of relief went up, and a man yelled at the Bradys:

"Were you hurt?"

"No. We are all right, so far."

"Wait, and we'll have the car lowered."

Up came men with ropes, and the end of a line was passed down from the
floor above the car and Old King Brady made it fast.

When the danger of the car falling was obviated, another gang secured the
cut cable, passed it over the drum, brought it down to the roof of the car
and spliced it to the piece remaining there.

The elevator was then lowered to the ground floor and opening the door the
detectives passed out, none the worse for their adventure.

A crowd of anxious people surrounded them, but they quickly avoided them by
dodging into another car and saying to the conductor:

"Top floor--quick!"

Bang! went the gate and up they shot.

Reaching the upper story the detectives made a rush for the room La Croix
had been occupying and found it empty.

"The birds have flown!" muttered Old King Brady in disgust.

"No wonder. We were caged up in the elevator so long they had ample time."

"They may have left some clew behind. Let us search the room."

This was done, and in the slop basin they found a letter torn up in small
pieces.

Harry carefully gathered up the fragments and put them in his pocketbook.

"It's written in French," he commented, "but it may be of some use. I'll
put the pieces together and we'll have it translated."

They failed to find anything else and went downstairs.

Returning to the clerk, they asked if La Croix had been seen.

"He did not come out this way," replied the man, shaking his head.

"Sure?"

"Positive!"

"Well, he and his family are gone."

"Ain't they up in their room?"

"No."

"That's queer."

"Not at all. You heard how the elevator fell with us?"

"Yes."

"Well, La Croix saw us and cut the cable."

"Good Lord! Tried to kill you?"

"Exactly. That's why they fled."

"What a villain that fellow must be."

"Is there any other exit from here?"

"Yes, indeed. I'll have a boy show you."

He rang a hand-bell and a uniformed boy approached, to whom he gave an
order and the Bradys were escorted away.

By questioning the help they soon found that the smuggler, his wife and his
daughter had lef