He slashed at the ropes behind the chair, and the four men craned forward expectantly.
"There," snarled Lakington. "I'm ready for you, you young swine."
And even as he spoke, the words died away on his lips, and with a dreadful cry he sprang back. For with a dull, heavy thud the body of the dead German Heinrich rolled off the chair and sprawled at his feet.
"My God!" screamed Lakington. "What has happened? I—I—"
He rushed to the bell and pealed it frantically, and with a smile of joy Hugh watched his frenzied terror. No one came in answer to the ring, and Lakington dashed to the door, only to recoil into the room with a choking noise in his throat. Outside in the hall stood four masked men, each with a revolver pointing at his heart.
"My cue," muttered Hugh. "And you understand, fellows, don't you?—he's my meat."
The next moment he had disappeared down the ladder, and the three remaining watchers stared motionless at the grim scene. For Lakington had shut the door and was crouching by the table, his nerve utterly gone. And all the while the puffed, bloated body of the German sprawled on the floor….
Slowly the door into the hall opened, and with a scream of fear Lakington sprang back. Standing in the doorway was Hugh Drummond, and his face was grim and merciless.
"You sent for your chauffeur, Henry Lakington," he remarked quietly. "I am here."
19
