The sound of scuffling feet indicated that Ernie’s instructions were being obeyed.
“Just a second,” came Ernie’s voice. “Open the door into the hall, one of you guys, and see that Geek’s O.K.! Then shut it and get back with us!
“All right, Bill! You do it. Ready! When Bill comes back, we do the rush act!”
THERE was a slight pause. Bill was evidently opening the door. Cliff held his automatic tightly. Nipper’s eyes were on the gun that lay by the dead gangster. He was preparing to leap for it when the rush came.
“Keep watching in the other room!” came Ernie’s voice. “Don’t give ‘em a chance!”
As he spoke the last word, there was a shot from the room where the gangsters were in readiness. As near as Cliff could judge, it came from the outer door, where Bill, the gunman, had gone.
A cry came from Ernie Shires. A shot resounded from amidst the waiting gangsters. Instantly, the other room was plunged in darkness.
Cliff’s brain was all confusion. He could not imagine what had happened. A loud report came from beside him, accompanied by a burst of flame.
“Aim through the door,” came Nipper’s cry. The little man had seized the automatic from the floor.
Shots were mingled with shouts in the other room! Chaos had struck Ernie’s gang! Cliff withheld his two precious shots. He was waiting, while Nipper fired at intervals, trying to piece out what had happened. Then he suddenly understood.