"They will probably all telephone to the police that a terrible riot is going on here, but by the time Major Sylvester thinks it wise to get here all the affair that we are particular about will be over and done with."
"One would suppose, Carter, that you knew beforehand exactly what these fellows would do."
"I do, almost. Given an idea, and a number of men to carry it out, and you can usually figure rather closely what they will do; and, as in a case of this kind, you can lead them to do almost what you wish them to do, if you are accustomed to handling such men."
"It is perfectly amazing to me, Carter."
"I suppose so. Let me get to that window a moment. Where are the men with the battering-ram now?"
"Just at the bottom of the steps. They will be at the door in another moment."
Nick stepped forward, and threw open the window; but as he did so he stepped quickly back again, out of sight, thinking that perhaps a shot might be fired at him.
But none was; and after a second he called out, still keeping his person screened:
"What are you men doing there?"
The men who carried the improvised battering-ram paused for an instant, and then from beyond them a voice replied: