The figure was that of a man, grossly overweight, although tall. His face was twisted in an agony of hatred. In his hand, Simon realised with horror, was a rope.

At that moment, the door to the room crashed open. Charlie had found the map in the book, and along with the other men, had followed the same route as Simon. It had been much harder for them, as the corridors were now shrouded in darkness, but they had persevered. The door was strong, and it had taken the strength of five of them, now with very bruised shoulders, to open it.

Mr Vanderkin ran towards Simon with the rope, surprised for once out of the psychological game he had been playing, but he was too slow. Charlie was upon him, and Charlie was a big man, well muscled, and much stronger than Mr Vanderkin. There was a sickening crunch.