Needless to say we both signified our assent.
This free permission to leave the house was a second surprise, and one for which we were totally unprepared.
"Then let it be so. My Lord Marquis, and you, Mr. Hatteras, it is with sincere pleasure I restore to you your liberty again!"
He made a sign to Prendergast, who instantly stepped forward. But I had something to say before we were removed.
"One word first, Dr. Nikola. You have"
"Mr. Hatteras, if you will be guided by me, you will keep a silent tongue in your head. Let well alone. In the words of the proverb, Beware how you disturb a sleeping dog. Why I have acted as I have done towards you you may some day learn; in the meanwhile rest assured it was from no idle motive. Now take me at my word, and go while you have the chance. I may change my mind in a moment, and then"
He stopped and did not say any more. At a sign, Prendergast clapped a thick bandage over my eyes, another man did the same for Beckenham; a man on either side of me took my arms, and next moment we had passed out of the room, and before I could have counted fifty were in the cool air of the open street.
How long we were walking after leaving the house I could not say, but at last our escort called a halt. Prendergast was evidently in command, for he said:
"Gentlemen, before we leave you you will renew your words of honour not to remove your bandages for five full minutes?"
We complied with his request; instantly our arms were released, and a moment later we heard our captors leaving us. The minutes went slowly by. Presently Beckenham said:
