Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-17

1T isn't locked" said Flynn.
Like clammy mantle, the CHASTITY
unreality of 1t all descended upon Ros-
coe. Flynn-remember now, but long
forgotten; figure of his early days IN
the navy-sightlesS, half-mad, but
walking these unsupported paths far
below the city with intimate certainty!
minute. This is all nightmare to me!
You found these caves know. But
why did you never tell anybody"
"Ah!" Flynn switched his torch of.
They were mantled in impenetrable
darkness. Now I can see you, STR!
Listen! They're my caves. Is that plain?
I've spent years of me life explorin'
them. They're. a new world-or a very.
very old world. But they belong to q
different god entirely It's only me that
knows him
Flynn! Show a light"
mot even for your honor! Because
why? Because / can see you, lieuten-
al t, now, but / can't see you when the
lights on. Don't be afraid. No friend
of mine has anything to fear In the
caves. Let me tell you: They stole them
from me! One Of the gang was me
neighbor Today the little house I had
is pulled down and the entrance to the
caves bricked in
They found another entrance them"
1.-TWO. Meself had climbed the Chin
ney before these devils came. had 1t
charted. 1 knew 1t led nearly to the
city level. They built the stairs your
honc: came down. They took over the
house on top and had cutting made
to the cellar. They call it entrance
No. 2"
There's another entranceP" Roscoe
asked eagerly.
There is. No. l. They found It
themselves-and it's the way they
mostly use. 1t opens into the house Of
Lewis Bronson"
What"
II said it. One day you shall, see the
charts. They use the great green temple
as an offlcel 1t was carven out by folk
who lived on the American continent
before the history books begin! They
died 10000 years ago"
Where on the chart is this place To-
cated?" he asked.
"Meanin' on the city map"
Sure"
"AS near as makes no matter: we're
under the middle of Times Square!
There's moments don't know why
when you can hear the subway trains
I'D abovel But the big cavern over the
lake is under Central Park. Come on,
sir"
A long wooden staircase having no
turnings or landings was negotiated. It
terminated In a tunnel artificially made
"a sort of mine-cutting supported by
timber A second door was come to.
1t was unlocked. They passed on. A
final passage, short and low, and the
last door-an iron one.
Generally" said Flynn, "he locks
this onel'
He grasped the door.
1t was locked, but
"Listenp' said Roscoe. 'Listeni"
From some place beyond the door
came a muted clamor.
The crazy custodian of the caverns
and Drake Roscoe listened. holding
their breath.
voice reached them as though coming
through bales of wool-"that If Bronson
isn't here-and he isn't---there's an
other way outl"
Then:
Beat it back, Flynn!" Roscoe said.
"You may be missed. Count on me,
bo'sun. Your caves viii make you ia
mous!"
YOU'RE not out yet, lieutenant!"
II soon will be! Go back!"
Right, sir" Flynn raised his hand in
salute, I've got to guide Head Centre
to the allery tonight"
Hi! Flynn!"
But the master Of the caverns had
departed at a run . he was gone. His
voice echoed weirdly through the tun-
nels. And now:
mouth and hands used as megaphone,
close to the iron door Party 'hoy!"
He had a magnificent sea voice. The
babel in BronSonS library subsidized.
who's there?" cried Police Capt.
DAILY.
"Comdr. Drake Roscoel I'm locked
behind an iron door. Find your way to
It'll Smash everything Have some one
phone for gear to burst the lock!
Hurry!"
The order spoken, he pressed his ear
to the door. and heard:
strip those cases! You. Fisher, get
headquarters! Have Arnold come right
awayl Tell the chief what's happened!
Go to It, boys!"
Five. ten. fifteen minutes passed, &C
cording TO RoScoes calculations. Alone.
unarmed, in darkness, he waited-al-
ways listening not to the discordS be-
yond the iron door, but for footsteps
behind him.
She had said IAN hour" when he
was found to be missing, what would
the Zones do?
Suddenly came a crash. and:
This way, chief" 9 voice cried out;
then:
"All o. K, sir?" some one called.
"still alve!" shouted Roscoe. Whats
Zig business" came q familiar voice.
"I'm here"
Burke"
"Sure thing! We've found the door
in the bookcase. But this iron job may
take time. Stand away. Roscoe, We're
going to breathe on it."
Through the door, hiSsingly, came the
voice of a powerful blow-light. They
were fusing the lock.
Then. behind, in the darkness, run
ming footsteps!
1t was all too latel The Zones had
awakened to their PERIL
Roscoe watched a luminous patch In
the blackneSs, where the reScuers were
cutting through the IRON door Of his
prison. He turned, as:
Lieutenant" came in painting tones.
They've missed you! But don't worry,
boss! Here's the key! Head Center has
gone-hes under the falls!"
Now came the ray of Flynn's torch.
A key was pressed into RoScoe's hand.
I'm goin' back" said Flynn. But
these is me last words, lieutenant:
The Zones has got the stairs mined
Is that clear? Good enough!"
The lights went out.
Flynn" Roscoe cried.
Out of the darkness
You'll be free in I'VE minutes, heu-
tenant"
FLYNN"
Roscoe's voice was raised to gale reg
lister.
There was no reply. Flying foot
steps were his only answer.
Delay there!" he roared.
The dim luminance died out Hiss
ing ceased.
None too steadily he fitted the key
in the lock outlined in q glow of heated