The young man laughed. After his first surprise, he did not fear Hodgson. He did not think the old man would shoot without provocation.
“Mr. Mallory was here,” he declared. “He knows that I am Bob Galvin. Your eyesight is bad, Hodgson, that’s all. Call up Mallory and ask him who I am.”
For a moment the old servant hesitated. He looked puzzled; but the doubt soon faded from his face and he became more determined than before.
Bob Galvin noticed the change. He realized that a sudden understanding was coming into Hodgson’s mind.
“I shall not call up Mr. Mallory,” declared the servant, in a decided tone. “I shall not call him up, because — ” He interrupted himself quickly.
“I do not want to talk to you,” he said. “You must go now! I shall give you just ten seconds to leave this room!”
Bob Galvin stared but did not move.
“One—” said Hodgson, counting slowly, “—two—”
Bob Galvin was moving now, inch by inch. He was coming closer and closer to Hodgson, but the old servant’s eyes did not detect the motion. Hodgson kept on counting.
“—Eight—”