"Let us be honest with each other. Our cause is the same----"
"Is it? Then I'm the worst scoundrel unhung. No, Monsieur Khodkine, we shall go our ways, you yours--I mine. And now," with an inclination of the head in excellent imitation of Monsieur Khodkine's satirical amenities, "if you will permit us, Mademoiselle shall continue our interrupted task."
Tanya saw his look of command, and setting the catch on the torch and putting it upon the shelf, and filling her arms with the bundles of bank notes, ran out through the door along the passage.
"What are you going to do with me?" asked Khodkine, moving slightly toward the shelf behind him.
"Keep you safe until I can call the Council together." And then, as Khodkine moved another pace. "I would advise you to remain motionless. Another inch backward, Monsieur, and I'll fire."
Khodkine obeyed. The easy manner of the American had deceived him.
"What shall you tell them?" he asked, after a moment.
"That you had planned to rob the vault."
Khodkine laughed.
"This comes ill from you, Monsieur, who were already robbing it."