For the moment the fortitude of the hapless young lieutenant completely broke down when he heard these tidings. It took him a minute to control his voice, and then he said—
"Please give me back my revolver. I give you my word of honour not to use it on any of you three."
Commander Blacklock shook his head.
"I am sorry we can't oblige you," said he.
"Poor old chap," said Phipps with genial sympathy; "it's rotten bad luck on you, I must admit."
These well-meant words seemed only to incense the captive.
"I do not wish your damned sympathy!" he cried.
"Hush, hush! Ladies present," said Phipps soothingly.
Von Belke turned a lowering eye on Miss Holland. She had said not a word, and scarcely moved since he came into the room, but her breathing was a little quicker than usual, and her gaze had followed intently each speaker in turn.
"Ach so!" he said; "the decoy is still present. I had forgot."