Part 31 (1/2)

”Silence,” said Hal. ”I have heard enough from you. What I came here for was to tell you that you had neglected to furnish us with a light.

Now I shall have to look in yonder closet, where I saw a man secret himself as I came in.”

The old woman flew across the room and stood defiantly in front of the closet door.

”You can't go in there!” she exclaimed.

”I can't, eh?” said Hal. ”Why can't I?”

”Because I say you can't.”

”That is a very poor reason,” said Hal. ”Either you will stand aside now, or I shall call my men.”

The woman realized the force of this reasoning. With a gesture of resignation she stepped aside. Hal advanced.

”I hope he shoots you through the door,” said the woman to Hal.

”Thanks for the hint,” said Hal dryly. ”I'll keep out of the line of fire.”

He approached the door from the side, and, standing close, called:

”Whoever you are in there, come out.”

There was no response, and Hal called again.

”I've got the door covered,” the lad shouted, ”and if you don't come out I shall fire through it.”

Slowly the door moved open. Hal stepped quickly aside, for he did not wish to be taken unaware. He seized a chair and sent it spinning across the floor. The ruse succeeded, for the man inside, taking the noise made by the chair for the sound of Hal's feet, stepped quickly forward and pointed a revolver in that direction.

This meant that Hal stood directly behind the newcomer. Smiling to himself, Hal raised his revolver and said quietly:

”Drop that gun or I'll bore a hole through you. No, don't bother to turn first.”

Realizing that he was absolutely in the other's power, the newcomer obeyed. The revolver fell clattering to the floor.

”Now,” said Hal, ”I'd like to have a look at you. Please turn around.”

Slowly the other turned, and, as Hal caught sight of the man's face, his own revolver dropped to the floor and he sprang forward with outstretched hand.

”Major Derevaux!” he cried.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE MAJOR EXPLAINS

The man who had emerged from the closet gazed at Hal in amazement.

”Who are you?” he exclaimed, taking a step forward.