Paddy's face lost its familiar smile as he followed his chief to the corner of their prison farthest from the door.
"I don't know what this means, but I rather suspect that Ah Sing has arrived," Peter Gross said. He strove to speak calmly, but his voice broke. "If that is the case, we will probably part. You will not see me again. You may escape, but it is doubtful. If you see the slightest chance to get away, take it. Being shot or krissed is a quicker death than by torture."
In spite of his effort at self-control, Paddy's face blanched.
"By torture?" he asked in a low voice of amazement.
"That is what we may expect," Peter Gross declared curtly.
Paddy breathed hard a moment. Then he laid an impulsive hand on his leader's arm.
"Let's rush 'em the minute the door opens, Mr. Gross."
Peter Gross shook his head in negation. "While there is life there is hope," he said, smiling.
Paddy did not perceive that his chief was offering himself in the hope that his death might appease the pirate's craving for vengeance.
They strolled about, their hearts too full for speech. Presently Paddy lifted his head alertly and signaled for silence. He was standing near the window and raised himself on tiptoe to catch the sounds coming through. Peter Gross walked softly toward him.