"
"We feel ourselves," Bright continued unctuously, "justified in
using this tube, because its first results will be to throw you
into a delirium, in the course of which we trust that you will
divulge the hiding place of the stolen packet. We use this means
in the interests of the country, and such risk as there may be
lies on your own head."
"You're a canting hypocrite!" Julian declared. "Try your
delirium. That packet happens to be in the one place where
neither you nor one of your tribe could get at it."
"It is a serious moment, this, Mr. Orden," Fenn reminded him.
"You are in the prime of life, and there is a scandal connected
with your present position which your permanent disappearance
would certainly not dissipate. Remember--"
He stopped short. A whistle in the corner of the room was
blowing. Bright moved towards it, but at that moment there was
the sound of flying footsteps on the wooden stairs outside, and
the door was flung open. Catherine, breathless with haste, paused
for a moment on the threshold, then came forward with a little
cry.
"Julian!" she exclaimed.
He gazed at her, speechless, but with a sudden light in his eyes.
She came across the room and dropped on her knees by his couch.
The two men fell back. Fenn slipped back between her and the
door. They both removed their masks, but they held them ready.
"Oh, how dared they!" she went on. "The beasts! Tell me, are you
ill?"
"Weak as a kitten," he faltered.
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