'We will try that,' said Hugo. 'Have you any handcuffs?'
'No, sir.'
'Go and obtain a couple of pairs. You can be back in twenty minutes. Bring also my revolver.'
Hugo and Simon were left alone. Hugo spoke no word.
'I'll put the room to rights, sir,' said Simon, after a pause. He could bear the inaction no longer.
Hugo nodded absently, and Simon collected the ruins of the vile repast which his master had consumed, and put them outside on a tray on the landing.
'There's a light now in the first story!' exclaimed Hugo. 'I hope that boy won't be long.'
And then Albert arrived with the revolver and the handcuffs. He had been supernaturally quick.
They descended and crossed the road.
'You understand,' Hugo instructed them. 'Let us have no mistake about getting in. Immediately the door is opened, in we all go. We can talk inside.'