Ajeeb allowed Deth’s head to slip from his grasp. Billy saw that his friend’s face was distorted with anger.
Ajeeb sprang at Stolburst, and, clutching him by the throat, dragged him in to the middle of the apartment.
“Accursed dog!” exclaimed the Abyssinian; “is this your work?”
Stolburst’s throat was gripped so hard he was unable to answer.
“Ajeeb!” cried Barry, catching hold of the other’s arm; “you already forget the promise you made me!”
“I forget nothing.”
“Can’t you see that you are strangling the poor devil?”
Billy caught hold of Ajeeb’s arm, and forced him to release his hold.
Stolburst sank to the floor, gasping for breath. It was several minutes before he found himself able to articulate. Ajeeb stood over him, like an avenging angel.
“Mercy!”