"Supposing," I said, "that I refuse to comply with your demand?"
"Then," he said abruptly, "we shall look for it." "Come now, Mr. Anstruther," he added, "we have very little time to lose; give me that packet."
"I haven't got it," I answered truthfully, for it was in St. Nivel's cigar-box.
The big man turned to his lieutenant.
"Send in a couple of the others; strip and search him," he said sharply.
In obedience to a call from the other, two more of the gang, big strong fellows, came in, and I prepared for a strong resistance.
Before, however, the men touched me, Sir Rupert Frampton's face appeared in the doorway; he had evidently just got out of bed, and wore a dressing-gown.
"It is no use whatever making any resistance to these men, Mr. Anstruther," he said, speaking in French; "you will probably lose your life if you do. Submit to what they demand, and we will make a claim against the Government at Valoro for whatever you lose. During the whole of my long connection with Aquazilia," he added, "I have only known such a robbery as this occur twice, and knowing the present peaceful and law-abiding state of the country, I cannot understand it."
"Very well then, Sir Rupert," I said, after a pause, "I will submit to these men, but I call upon you to witness my protest at the outrage!"
He nodded his head at my words, and in obedience to a further request from the giant, I proceeded to undress.