A plan of operations had been agreed upon—that was quite certain; for Toro, without the least hesitation, proceeded to Jefferson's door, the Greek placing himself outside Harvey's apartment, while Hunston stationed himself at the room occupied by Harkaway.
Then they waited for a signal, evidently intending to rush in simultaneously.
"Now!" said Hunston, in a loud whisper.
"Now!" echoed Petrus.
Before the brigands could rush into the rooms occupied by those they sought to destroy, Petrus pulled the three strings he held in his hand, and, good Heaven! what a spluttering and swearing at once commenced.
Hunston was drenched and scalded.
"A million curses!" he roared.
"Help! Look here, Toro."
But Toro could not look.
A deluge of hot tar had streamed over his head, filling eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, saturating his hair and running down inside his clothing.