"By you!" cried the four adventurers, speaking as it were in one breath.
"Yes—and by all the world," exclaimed Egerton, rising from his seat, and casting indignant glances upon his guests.
"This is too much!" said Cholmondeley; and, unable to restrain his passion, he rushed upon the young man, seized him by the collar, and would have inflicted a severe chastisement on him had not assistance been at hand.
But the door communicating with the dining-room was suddenly thrown open, and the individual who now made his appearance, threw himself upon Cholmondeley, tore him away from his hold upon Albert Egerton, and actually hurled him to the opposite side of the apartment.
"The Prince of Montoni!" ejaculated Harborough, as he rushed towards the door, with Chichester close at his heels.
But the Prince hastened to intercept them; and, leaning his back against the door, he exclaimed, "No one passes hence, at present. Mr. Egerton, secure those dice."
Dunstable darted towards that part of the table where the dice lay; but Egerton had already obtained possession of them.
Richard in the meantime locked the door, and put the key in his pocket.
"Be he a king," cried Cholmondeley, who had caught the words uttered by the baronet, "he shall suffer for his conduct to me;"—and the Colonel advanced in a menacing manner towards the Prince.
"Beware, sir, how you place a finger on me!" cried Richard. "Approach another step nearer, and I will lay you at my feet!"