A call to the house detectives — to the police — telling them of the situation. They would make a rapid invasion. They would be met by the outlying mobsters. Here, in this room, Carpenter must cover the two who had done the job.
The great menace would be an attack by the outer mob. If that came, there would be but one alternative. Shoot these thugs and defend the door until the police arrived. Carpenter was ready for such action, if it proved necessary. His blood was boiling as he saw this heinous crime in the making.
“One move” — Carpenter’s warning was low — “and I’ll give you the works! Both of you—”
As he reached to raise the receiver of the telephone, he saw one of the gangsters move his lips. The man was staring toward the door. Carpenter turned — too late. A powerful body was hurling itself through the air. Herbert Carpenter went down, his back to the floor.
Staring upward, he saw the face of the man who had overpowered him. It was Hooks Borglund!
CHAPTER XVII
THE HIDDEN SHADOW
HOOKS BORGLUND was giving orders. He was standing in the center of the room. Before him, hands ceilingward, stood Herbert Carpenter. Borglund’s gun was prodding him in the ribs.
“Watch the girl,” said Hooks, to one of the gangsters. “Give her a shot of that dope. Chloroform wears off too easy. You get to the door” — Hooks was speaking to the other ruffian — “and be ready for the getaway. I’m finishing this guy — then I’m with you.”
Brutally, he shoved his prisoner through a doorway into a bedroom toward the front of the suite. Here, in the light of a small lamp, Borglund pushed his enemy into a corner.