"Thank you. And my mother and sister?"
"If you in your turn will give us your word—you are a man of honour—that these women know nothing that could harm us, they shall be spared."
"Thank you, sir. You may rest assured, upon my honour, that they know nothing. I should not think of burdening any woman with such dangerous secrets—particularly those who are dear to me."
"Very well. It is agreed—yes?"
The murmur of assent was given, though with less readiness than before.
"Then I am willing to give you the information you want. The word of the combination is UNRELIABILITY."
"And the inner door?"
"In anticipation of the visit of the police, the inner door—which might have presented difficulties—is open."
"Good! You understand that if the police interfere with our messenger——"
"That would not help me, would it?"