"And then?"
"You shall go free, provided you promise to remain quietly in the park for two hours and do not approach the house."
"You would accept my promise?"
"Certainly."
"And what assurance have I that you would keep yours?"
"You have my word, witnessed by my friends here."
"And what is your word worth, by whomsoever witnessed?"
Gradoff's habitual smoothness left him. Shaking his fist, he shouted--
"I will show you what my word is worth. If you do not unbolt the door we shall kill you like--like a dog. I give you one minute."
Mr. Pratt leant motionless on the parapet, gazing down at the three men with a grim smile. Beside him his nephew, tingling with excitement, felt unbounded admiration for this strange uncle of his. The minute passed in silence. Gradoff, watch in hand, paced restlessly about. His friends stood together.