{Illustration: “THUG! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?"}
The stranger said nothing, but stood with the same fixed and scornful smile. A noise was heard outside, the tramp of a crowd of men. They ascended the stairs. At last John appeared at the door of the room, followed by thirty servants. Prominent among these was Asgeelo. Near him was Vijal. Potts gave a triumphant smile. The servants ranged themselves around the room.
“Now,” cried Potts, “you’re in for it. You’re in a trap, I think. You’ll find that I’m not a born idiot. Give up that cord!”
The stranger said nothing, but wound up the cord coolly, placed it in his pocket, and still regarded Potts with his scornful smile.
“Here!” cried Potts, addressing the servants. “Catch that man, and tie his hands and feet.”
The servants had taken their station around the room at John’s order. As Potts spoke they stood there looking at the stranger, but not one of them moved. Vijal only started forward. The stranger turned toward him and looked in his face.
Vijal glanced around in surprise, waiting for the other servants.
“You devils!” cried Potts, “do you hear what I say? Seize that man!”
None of the servants moved.
“It’s my belief,” said John, “that they’re all ratting.”