"I have it," replied one of the deputy sheriffs. "I figured we might have to go in after him."
"Is the back of the house guarded?" Gibson demanded.
"Four men are there and four others posted at the sides," he was told.
"Good! Let's go then; I'll lead the way," said Gibson.
He strode quickly toward the house and up the walk to the front door, followed by the detectives, the deputies, Brennan, John and the camera man. John had a peculiar sinking feeling as he realized what open targets they were as they approached the house if "Big Jim" opened fire on them from behind the blind of one of the windows facing the street.
Gibson rapped sharply on the door and they waited tensely for a response. The officers' right hands were on the handles of their automatics and revolvers. There was no response to Gibson's rap. He clenched his fist and hammered loudly on the solid panel of the door. Again no response.
"You're certain he is inside?" demanded Gibson.
"Absolutely, Mr. Commissioner," assured the detective. "He's probably at the door now."
Gibson stepped to one side of the door and the others stepped back also.
"Open the door or we'll break it down," commanded Gibson, shouting.