“I will place Raikes and his nephew where they cannot see you, but I will sit here where I can note your slightest move.”
The Sepoy arose hastily and entered the bedchamber, seating himself according to the direction of the detective.
At that moment there was a knock upon the door.
In answer to the salutation of the detective Raikes and his nephew entered.
Seating themselves in the chairs indicated, they awaited with intense curiosity the proceedings of this enigmatical man.
Noting the alert questioning in the eyes of the young man, and the half-awakened inquiry in the sordid countenance of Raikes, Gratz, in order to prevent the intrusion of any disturbing remark upon his present purpose, said impressively:
“I must ask you both to listen without interruption. When I want you to speak I will question you”; and fastening his strange eyes upon the blinking Raikes, he added: “Now we will proceed.
“You have lost four bags of coin.”
“Three!” corrected Raikes, despite his instructions to silence.
“Pardon me,” continued Gratz, “and please do not interrupt. I said four—and here is the fourth,” and he pointed to the bag upon the table.