A pistol barked, and I swerved, almost losing my feet. If we must die, we should die hard. I fired, and one of the mutineers uttered an exclamation.
"Stay there," called Holgate. "Easy, men. Don't let's kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Let's have a few questions answered."
"Dent's down," sang out one.
"Well, there'll be all the more for those that are left," said Holgate, easily, steering his way through the knot.
A faint laugh followed on this, but I think even the mutineers, brutal as they were, were aghast at this revolting cynicism.
"Let's have a parley first," said Holgate, now in the forefront of the gang. "Business first—pleasure afterwards. Now, doctor, out with it. Where's that treasure?"
"I have told you," said I, "that the Prince removed it."
Alix's arms were about me still. I was dazed.
"Obstinate mule!" said Holgate with a grin. "See that, boys? I've given 'em every chance. Let her go."
In response to his command revolvers were raised. It marked the end, the fall of the curtain on that long tragedy. Alix's arms were about me, and suddenly my brain cleared. I saw as sharply and as definitely as if I had been aloof and unconcerned in that disturbing crisis.