Accordingly the money, all in gold, was placed in a bag in the spot which they had indicated in the first note addressed by the brigands to Jack Harkaway.
This done, they awaited the result.
It soon came.
Too soon for the latter's peace of mind.
As the family and their friends were seated in moody silence and in sorrow around the dinner-table, so strong was the sense of oppression upon everyone that they only conversed in whispers.
"The heat is really overpowering," said Mrs. Harkaway.
"Shall I open the window?"
"If you please."
He hastened to comply with her request, when at that very instant something shot past him into the room.
It fell with a clatter upon the table, and cannoned off a dish on to Jack Harkaway, striking him a rather sharp blow in the chest.