He had made a hit, but the situation was hopeless. He and Nipper had drawn back into the room. They could command the other room only at an angle.
The light that entered revealed the body of the man whom Nipper had shot. The gunman’s automatic lay in full view. To reach for it would have been suicide, and Nipper knew it! Back in the other room, Shires and his gang commanded the area before the open doorway.
“If I could only reach that rod!” groaned Nipper.
“I’ve got a couple of bullets left,” responded Cliff.
“Save ‘em! You’ll need ‘em!”
There was a moment of menacing silence as Cliff and his companion awaited the attack that was sure to come. Ernie Shires was cautious; but he could not wait long.
If the gunfire had been heard in the big room of the Club Drury, some one would be sure to arrive immediately. But so far, no rescuers had appeared.
“Where’s Geek?” came the voice of Ernie Shires.
“Out in the hall, watching the other door,” came a reply.
“All right.” Ernie’s voice was confident. “Stand back, gang, and get ready to rush ‘em! Don’t give ‘em time to clip us! Ready?”