The scoundrel did not utter a word, he opened the door behind him, flattened himself against the wall, then slipped quickly out.
The three young men sprang forward like unleashed hounds—only to dash themselves against the obstacle of the heavy door.
[CHAPTER XV]
THE KIDNAPING OF MONTFAUCON
For a minute or two extreme confusion reigned in the room. Errington and Webster struggled furiously with the old lock. Almost past use, it worked badly from the inside. Exasperated and maddened at having let the enemy escape, they got in one another's way and their efforts only ended in their jamming it.
Marco Dario raged at them.
"Get on! Get on! What are you messing about like that for?... It's d'Estreicher, isn't it, mademoiselle? The man you spoke of? He murdered his confederate?... He stole the medal from you? Holy Virgin, hurry up, you two!"
Dorothy tried to reason with them:
"Wait, I implore you. Think. We must work together.... It's madness to act at random!"
But they did not listen to her; and, when the door did open, they rushed down the staircase, while she called out to them: