"It can hardly be so. But it will be well to ascertain and take precautions. Come! there is a way out of this house known only to me."
And, so saying, he went towards the door, followed by Mrs. Wilders. Suddenly he paused, surprised by a loud knocking outside.
They heard the old woman's voice angrily asking who was there; they heard the reply, spoken loudly and authoritatively.
"The police! Open, in the name of the law. Open! or we shall break the door down."
Next minute the apartment was invaded by a posse of police, all of whom were drawn to where Hyde was by his loud cries of "Here! Here!"
"Let no one move," said the chief of the police, briefly. "What is the meaning of this? Who are you?" This was to Ledantec.
"My name is Mr. Hobson, a British subject, and member of the press. I shall require you to explain this intrusion."
"His real name is Ledantec!" cried Hyde, interposing. "Ex-gambler, and now spy in the pay of the Russians. This woman is his accomplice."
"And who may you be?" said the police-officer, turning to Hyde.
"I know this gentleman," put in the attaché whom Hyde had seen at the Embassy. "He is a British officer—Mr. Hyde."