"I have a dozen," was the smiling reply. "I don't know that I particularly object to giving you one of them. You may call me Dumont."
"That will answer very well for the present. Now answer what I shall ask you, and do it clearly, or you shall be made to suffer."
"Perhaps I will answer you, and perhaps I won't. We will see about that," was the impertinent reply.
"Baron Mustushimi is your chief, is he not?"
"I don't know the gentleman," replied the Frenchman.
Nick stepped forward quickly toward him and touched the bulb, at the end of the wire he carried, to the Frenchman's hand, which had been tied beside his body so that he could not use it.
"One!" he called out to Patsy, and the young assistant moved the lever over three notches. Instantly the Frenchman started, and a surprised look of pain came into his eyes; but he controlled himself admirably, and straightened up again as if nothing had happened.
"Answer the question," said Nick sternly.
"I do not know the--"
"Two!" the detective called out, and the lever was moved another notch.