You may possess all the powers you
claim. Your only mistake seems to be that you are too thick-headed
to know when you are overmatched. I have been a diplomatist all my
life," Mr. Sabin said, rising slowly to his feet, and with a sudden
intent look upon his face, "and if I were to be outwitted by such a
novice as you I should deserve to end my days--in New York."
Mr. Horser rose also to his feet. A smile of triumph was on his
lips.
"Well," he said, "we-- Come in! Come in!" The door was thrown
open. Skinner and two policemen entered. Mr. Sabin leaned towards
the wall, and in a second the room was plunged in darkness.
"Turn on the lights!" Skinner shouted. "Seize him! He's in that
corner. Use your clubs!" Horser bawled. "Stand by the door one
of you. Damnation, where is that switch?"
He found it with a shout of triumph. Lights flared out in the room.
They stared around into every corner. Mr. Sabin was not there.
Then Horser saw the door leading into the bed-chamber, and flung
himself against it with a hoarse cry of rage.
"Break it open!" he cried to the policemen.
They hammered upon it with their clubs. Mr. Sabin's quiet voice
came to them from the other side.
"Pray do not disturb me, gentlemen," he said. "I am reading."
"Break it open, you damned fools!" Horser cried.
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