Cautiously, as well as he could without attracting attention, the Saint tested his bonds. The process did not take him long. His expert tests soon proved that the roping had been done by a practised hand. It remained, therefore, to depend on the loyalty of Slinky Dyson. And how much was that worth? In an interval in the game he caught Dyson's eye. Slinky's expression did not change, but Simon found something reassuring in that unpromising fact.
For a quarter of an hour the game continued, and then Slinky wiped his mouth with a soiled handkerchief.
"This is a thirsty job," he complained.
"Ain't it?" agreed Budd. "Would you like a drink?"
"Not 'arf. Is there anything?"
Budd nodded.
"I'll see if I can find something. You keep your eyes skinned for Templar, see?"
"You bet I will."
Budd rose and went out, leaving the door open, and Simon listened without speaking as the sound of the man's heavy footsteps faded up the stairs.
A moment later he found Dyson beside him.