Read "The Three Hostages" by John Buchan online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Three minutes later I was back in the curiosity shop. I switched off my light, and very gently opened the street door. There was a sound of footsteps on the pavement, so I drew back till they had passed. Then I emerged into the quiet street, with Abel's little brazier glowing in front of me, and Abel's little sharp face poked out of his penthouse.
"All right, sir? " he asked cheerfully.