"What a shocking scene!" whispered Markham to Chichester. "I am glad I came hither this once: it will be a lesson for me which I can never forget."
At this instant the report of a pistol echoed sharply through the rooms.
There was a simultaneous rush to the inner apartment:—Markham's presentiments were fulfilled—the young officer had committed suicide.
His brains were literally blown out, and he lay upon the carpet weltering in his blood.
A cry of horror burst from the strangers present; and then, with one accord, they hastened to the door. The baronet, Chichester, and Talbot, were amongst the foremost who made this movement, and were thereby enabled to effect their escape.
Markham stood rivetted to the spot, unaware that his companions had left him, and contemplating with feelings of supreme horror the appalling spectacle before him.
Suddenly the cry of "The police" fell upon his ears; and heavy steps were heard hurrying up the staircase.
"The Bank!" ejaculated one of the Croupiers.
"All right!" cried the other; and in a moment the lights were extinguished, as by magic, throughout the entire suite of rooms.
Obeying a natural impulse, Markham hastened towards the door; but his progress was stopped by a powerful hand, and in an instant the bull's-eye of a lantern glared upon his countenance.