We saw some thin cracks of light between old planks of wood nailed across one wall. We pulled at a plank until the nails came out of the crumbling wall.

We pulled at another plank, and another, until the thin dim light became brighter. There was a small broken window boarded up with those planks!

Quickly we made a decision. Kiki was faster and smaller than me, so he would run to get help. I helped him up.

Kiki wriggled out of the window. It wasn’t far to the ground outside, and I heard him land on his feet, and take a deep breath. Then he was gone.

By this time the men had heard the noise we made, and were kicking the door against the bolt. They burst into the room and stood for a minute looking at the window.

Then they rushed outside, pushing each other, not sure which direction to go. The men were furious, especially the ugly leader. He hit me, shouting, “Your parents will pay for this!”