There was no mistaking the menace in the quiet tones and Hal and Chester realized that the owner of the voice meant business.
"Good work, Fritz," came the voice of Robard, and he pulled himself to his feet with some difficulty and advanced toward the boys. "I'll thank you for your guns," he said. "No, I'll get them myself," he added as both boys moved their hands toward the weapons.
He suited the action to the word and relieved the lads of their automatics.
"Now stand back there against the wall," he commanded.
The boys obeyed.
Robard now gave his attention to the injured men on the floor. Two of them showed signs of returning consciousness and soon were able to get to their feet. The other could not be revived, and at a command from Robard, he was carried to another room.
"Well, I've got you this time," said Robard to Hal and Chester, "and this time I'll guarantee you don't get away."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," said Hal with a smile. "We are pretty hard to hold on to."
"I'll hold on to you, never fear," was the response. "I'd like to get my hands on the other."
"Then he has gotten away?" queried Chester.