The Dark Stairs — Betsy Byars / Betsy Cromer Byars

The Moloch did not come back to where she crouched in fear. Instead he moved over to the workbench. He stood there, and then, as if he were familiar with the table, he picked up something, opened a drawer, and took something from it. Herculeah longed to stand up so she could see, but she remembered the burning look of the Moloch's eyes in her living room, the fear she had felt at his terrible smile. She stayed where she was.

Her heart had started beating so loud, it pounded in her ears.

Apparently, the Moloch had found what he needed. Herculeah heard him move toward the door. She heard him take a step outside....

Then Herculeah froze.

For she heard something that turned her blood cold. She heard the sound of hammering.

The Moloch was nailing the door shut.

And she was trapped inside.