“H’m! Private communications,” thought I. Then I said aloud:
“Well, gentlemen, what’s the offer?”
“A safe-conduct to the frontier, and fifty thousand pounds English.”
“No, no,” whispered Antoinette in the lowest of whispers. “They are treacherous.”
“That seems handsome,” said I, reconnoitering through the chink. They were all close together, just outside the door now.
I had probed the hearts of the ruffians, and I did not need Antoinette’s warning. They meant to “rush” me as soon as I was engaged in talk.
“Give me a minute to consider,” said I; and I thought I heard a laugh outside.
I turned to Antoinette.
“Stand up close to the wall, out of the line of fire from the door,” I whispered.
“What are you going to do?” she asked in fright.