Reginald Thomas Maitland Scott

“ He laughed gently and threw an arm around her as he used his free hand to pull the false elevator door closed behind him. It was very dark in the big steel box when the light from the elevator was cut off by the closing of the door. Faintly they heard the elevator start into motion automatically upon the closing of that door.
Richard Wentworth continued his low laugh out of pure joy. A dead man behind him meant nothing. Nita was safe again, and he was in the middle of a great adventure. He was holding her now with both arms. Death had passed them by, and love had come. ”

“ The car continued to ascend slowly, as is the nature of automatic elevators, while Wentworth kept his hand upon the electric light bulb. If the usual front door opened, he would give the bulb a twist, thus illuminating the car for any guests who might enter. If, however, the front door did not open, and if another side of the elevator moved, then there might be light or no light, life or no life. ”

“ Naturally Wentworth stood back to allow the lady and her escort to pass out. Immediately that they had done so, he quickly closed the door again and remained within the car. He pressed neither of the visible buttons which controlled the car, nor did he move the secret panel to press the button which would return the car once more to the level of the gambling salon. Somewhere he believed, behind the mirrors of the entrance room on that floor, there must be a secret entrance to the elevator. Another side of the car must be cleverly contrived to open upon a hidden exit from the study. ”

“ There was one more thing, a reckless thing perhaps, but one that fitted into the nature of the man who ran so many risks and who witted himself against such terrific odds. From the lithe pocket of his tight-fitting white vest he took a cigarette lighter. ”