"Quite one of the most amusing entertainments I've seen for a long time." The calm, expressionless voice made him look up wearily, and he saw that he was surrounded by men. The inevitable cigar glowed red in the darkness, and after a moment or two he scrambled unsteadily to his feet.
"I'd forgotten your damned menagerie, I must frankly confess," he remarked. "What's the party for?" He glanced at the men who had closed in round him.
"A guard of honour, my young friend," said Peterson suavely, "to lead you to the house. I wouldn't hesitate…it's very foolish. Your friends have gone, and, strong as you are, I don't think you can manage ten."
Hugh commenced to stroll towards the house.
"Well, don't leave the wretched Potts lying about. I dropped him over there." For a moment the idea of making a dash for it occurred to him, but he dismissed it at once. The odds were too great to make the risk worth while, and in the centre of the group he and Peterson walked side by side.
"The last man whom poor Sambo had words with," said Peterson reminiscently, "was found next day with his throat torn completely out."
"A lovable little thing," murmured Hugh. "I feel quite sorry at having spoilt his record."
Peterson paused with his hand on the sitting-room door, and looked at him benevolently.
"Don't be despondent, Captain Drummond. We have ample time at our disposal to ensure a similar find to-morrow morning."
