"We must get out and collar those rascals," said Sam. "Can't you get the door open?"
"We ought to be able to," answered Dick. "Here, catch the light and take the gun."
In a few seconds Dick, Tom and Songbird were pressing on the door with all their strength. All stood on the top step of the cellar stairs.
"Now then, all together!" cried Dick, and they shoved with might and main. Then came a crack below them, and an instant later the cellar stairs collapsed, carrying them with it. As they went down in a confused heap the stairs struck the electric light and smashed it It also knocked the shotgun from Sam's hand.
Bang! went the firearm, with a report in the narrow confines of the cellar that was deafening.
"I'm killed! I'm killed!" came from Larry, an instant later. "You've shot my hand off!"
