“Up you go,” said Alleyn. “We’ve arrived.”

The stairs ended in an iron landing which rang coldly under their feet. Here, by a closed door, stood a solitary man, who struck his hands together and blew on his fingers. Alleyn showed him his ticket, which he inspected by the light of an electric torch. Nigel and Angela followed. The man flashed his torch on their faces, a disconcerting business.

“New, aren’t you?” he said to Nigel.

“Yes,” said Angela quickly, “and terribly excited. Will it be a good meeting?”

“Should be,” he answered, and opened the door behind him. They went through and found themselves in a narrow passage lit by a solitary globe at the far end. Under this lamp stood another man, who watched them steadily as they came towards him. Angela took Nigel’s arm.

“’Evening,” said Alleyn.

“’Evening, comrade,” said the man self-consciously. “You’re early to-night.”

“That’s right. Many here?”

“Not many yet. Show your tickets, please.” He turned to the others. “You newcomers?”

“Yes,” said Nigel.

“I’ll have to take your names, comrades.”

“That’s new,” remarked Alleyn.

“Instructions from headquarters. We’ve got to be more careful.”

“Just as well. I’m bringing Miss Northgate and Mr. Batherston. Friends of Comrade Marcus Barker.” He spelt the names while the man wrote them down. “They come from Clearminster-Storton, Dorset, and are both right-minded.”

“Anything doing in your part of the world?” asked the man.

“Gosh, no!” said Nigel. “All landed gentry, bourgeoisie and wage-slaves.”

“Bone from the eyes up,” added Angela perkily.

The man laughed loudly.

“You’ve said it! Just sign these cards, will you?”

With an effort they remembered their new names and wrote them at the foot of two pieces of pasteboard that seemed to be inscribed with some sort of profession of secrecy. Angela felt rather guilty. While they did this someone came in at the outside door and walked along the passage. The man took their cards, pulled open the door and turned to the newcomer. Led by Alleyn, they all walked through the door, which immediately was shut behind them.