The Broker roared:
"Humbug! He's trying to gain time. Shoot him down!"
He raised his arm. His companions held him back.
And Lupin continued:
"Of course, this need not affect your plan of campaign. You came here, first, to kidnap Mrs. Kesselbach and, secondly, to lay hands on her jewels. Far be it from me to interfere with your laudable intentions!"
"Look here, what are you driving at?" growled the Broker, listening in spite of himself.
"Aha, Broker, I'm beginning to interest you, am I? . . . Come in, old chap. . . . Come in, all of you. . . . There's a draught at the top of those stairs . . . and such pretty fellows as you mustn't run the risk of catching cold. . . . What, are we afraid? Why, I'm all by myself! . . . Come, pull yourselves together, my lambs!"
They entered the room, puzzled and suspicious.
"Shut the door, Broker . . . we shall be more comfortable. Thanks, old man. Oh, by the way, I see the notes are gone. Therefore we're agreed. How easy it is for honest men to come to terms!"
"Well . . . and next?"