"I would like to add," began the doctor, when the shrill sound of a ringing bell rang through the vaulted apartment. Fall sprang up, walked quietly to the wall, and placed his ear against a portion which appeared to be no different to any other, but which, as Poltavo gathered, concealed a hidden telephone.
"Yes?" he asked. He listened. "Very good," he said.
He turned to Poltavo, and surveyed him gravely.
"You will be interested to learn," he said, "that the house is entirely surrounded by police. You have evidently been followed here."
A light sprang into Poltavo's eyes.
"That is very awkward for you," he said, with a laugh.
"More awkward for you, I think," said Doctor Fall, walking slowly to the farthermost wall of the room.
"Stop!" said Poltavo.
The doctor turned. He was covered by the black barrel of Poltavo's pistol.
"I beg to assure you," said the Count mockingly, "that this pistol is loaded with two small cartridges which I found in my waistcoat pocket, and which I usually carry in case of emergency. There is at any rate sufficient——"