“As you will, sir,” returned Frank, and settled back in his chair to enjoy the music.
But his enjoyment of the music was to be short-lived. Trouble came suddenly and unexpectedly.
Frank, chancing to glance toward Lieutenant Holzen, saw that worthy put his hand to his breast pocket. Immediately his face turned red and he sprang to his feet. Hurriedly he thrust his hands into all his pockets. Then his face turned from red to white.
Frank nudged Lord Hastings.
“Holzen has discovered his loss, sir,” he said quietly. “Had we better move?”
Lord Hastings sat still.
“Too bad,” he said calmly. “I am afraid this means trouble. We’ll probably have to fight and run. Guns ready, boys.”
The lads dropped both hands to the holsters that hung on either side of their belts. They were ready.
“We’ll let him start the trouble,” said Lord Hastings quietly. “Then we’ll make a break for the door.”
Lieutenant Holzen was not long starting the trouble. He sprang to his feet with a shout.