“I found it unlocked,” he said, with the ghost of a grin. “Whoever uses this place after closing hours doesn’t want to make much noise. The bell is disconnected. You have only to push it open and walk in.”
Events were forcing me against all my inclinations to go forward.
“If anyone enters when I am inside? . . .” I began.
“You will hear the sound and must take measures accordingly. On the whole, sir, I am inclined to think that there’s something wrong with the place. You are armed? No. That is as well. Your position is unauthorised, as one would say, and arms might be compromising.”
“If you hear me cry?”
“I will come to your help. If you do not return within--shall we say?--two hours, I will make an entrance along with the nearest constable. The unlocked door will give us a pretext.”
