* * *
The invitation was the needed clue. Bruce knew the method now; he knew where the ape-man was!
Chefano desired Bruce to step across the threshold, because the monster was in the room — in one of the near corners — waiting to spring!
In which corner? Ah, Chefano had betrayed himself! For one instant, his eyes had moved to Duncan's right. His lips had twisted momentarily into a distorted shape. He was restraining the creature until the proper moment.
With one action, Bruce Duncan stepped suddenly into the room. With his left hand he raised an automatic to cover Chefano, who seemed obviously without a weapon. At the same instant, he looked to the right and pointed his other gun toward the corner. There was the monster — six feet away — ready for a spring.
Bruce Duncan's finger was on the trigger, but he did not press it. The ape-faced creature had more intelligence than Bruce had supposed. The sight of the revolver had curbed it. Back into the corner it sank, and its prompt action saved its life.
Bruce was master of the situation. He could wait. He laughed. Should he reveal his identity or play the part of Weston? Bruce decided on the latter course.
"I suspected this," he declared. "The second message with the seal of Prince Samanov — I detected the imitation. Come eight days early, eh? What reason for the change? Had it been later, I might have suspected nothing."
From his position Bruce could easily observe both Chefano and the ape-man. The former, his lips twisted venomously, sat with upraised hands. The monster still cowered in the corner.
"A creature here, to kill me," continued Bruce. "A monster — not even human. It shall die. You" — he glanced momentarily toward Chefano — "shall live — for a while. I will learn the truth of this deception — from your ugly lips!"