Part 3 (2/2)

”Absurd!” said Chester, angrily, and as he spoke he saw that two of the gentlemen present oing at once”

”You cannot, sir”

”Stand aside, sir, and let me pass!” cried Chester, sternly, as his opponent moved between him and the door

”Je, I pray you to stay”

”It is impossible, madam, now Let me pass, sir” There was a fierce motion made towards the patient, but Chester did not heed it He saw that the other occupants of the rooentleman in front

The spirit within him was roused now, and in his resentment he stepped fiercely forith extended hand, when his opponent thrust his hand into his breast with a ht, Chester stepped back and caught up the revolver he had seen lying upon the table

There was a faint cry, and thite hands were laid upon his breast

”Stand aside, Marion!” and there was a click from the lock of another pistol

”Doctor! for his sake!--pray!”

Chester turned from her sharply, as if to avoid her eyes Then flashed his own upon the man who barred his way

”Is this the rehearsal of soly ”I refuse all part in it Now have the goodness to let me pass, for pass I will”

He threw the pistol he held upon the carpet, and oncethe weapon pointed at his head

”Bah!” he cried; ”do you think to frighten me with that theatrical nonsense?”

”Keep back, sir, or I fire”

At that moment a white hand pressed the electric button by the side of the heavy mantelpiece, the roo sound announced the locking of the door and withdrawing of the key

”Then there has been foul play,” muttered Chester ”Into what trap have I fallen here?”

CHAPTER THREE

TWO HUNDRED GUINEAS

Chester took a couple of steps to his right, for there was a faint sound in the pitchy darkness which he interpreted to mean the advance of an enemy Then in the perturbation of spirit and nervousness of the moment, he moved a step or two cautiously in what he believed to be the direction of the other door, and stopped short, half-dazed by the feeling of confusion which co

”Who did that?” said the voice he recognised ”You, Marion, of course

Here, you go to your room”

There was no reply