“Dutch Gus! That man? He followed me to Holland! Now you know! He queered my mission for the Yard!�
“Queered it?�
Saidee Isaacs paced the floor of the room. Her eyes shone tawny and fire-laden as she came up to Fay and grasped his shoulder.
“Promise me you will get him!�
“Sure! Where is he?�
“In London, somewhere. He’s in with a mob of Germans and Austrians who are after the dye cipher. They found out where I was going—why I was going to Holland. They didn’t have the nerve to attempt the safe, Chester. They didn’t! They waited until I tried—and failed. They stole my luggage coming back. They kidnapped my French maid. They did everything. They may do more!â€� Saidee Isaacs reached swiftly and snatched up the revolver.
“Take this, Chester! You may need it!�
“Go easy,â€� said Fay as he felt the revolver slipping into his pocket. “Go easy, Saidee. You better keep it here. Dutch Gus was trying to prowl the house when I got through the hedge. It was him on the electric door-mat. I didn’t—â€�
“Are you sure?� Her voice lowered and gained in timbre. “Are you sure, Chester?�
“I saw him trying to pick the front-door lock. He heard me coming or got a signal. He dashed for the back of the house and the garage. He went through the greenhouse, by the sound he made. Always clumsy!�