But the shot he heard did not come from his own gun. It came muffled through the ceiling above him, and a second report followed a moment later. Then the chief called, rather huskily:
"Cullis!"
Cullis cursed under his breath. His plan could not be put into execution then: it was too late for his explanation to hold water now. Another pretext must be thought of. But meanwhile—
He caught Gugliemi by the lapels of his coat and pulled him towards him. Reversing his gun with a swift movement, he struck callously…
As the man crumpled to the floor at his feet, Cullis heard the commissioner call his name again.
He raced up the stairs. At the top he found the chief leaning against the wall with one hand clutched to his shoulder.
"They got me," said the chief gruffly. "I heard them talking and I went closer to listen. Then a shot through the door. But I fired back, and I think I hit something."
Cullis listened, and inside the room he heard a stifled groan. Then, through the door, Simon Templar spoke:
"We're surrendering," he said.
The key grated in the lock, and the door opened. The Saint stepped out, holding his gun, butt foremost, at arm's length in front of him. His blue eyes swept the assistant commissioner with cool contempt as Cullis took the weapon and dropped it into his pocket.