What followed was of brief duration.
The table and books went crashing to the floor.
Sheldon caught the lamp as it was falling.
Nick reached over the toppling table, and, with a lightninglike move, snatched the revolver from Floyd’s hand.
At the same moment came a blow from behind, dealt with the weapon of one of the ruffians who had entered. It was impossible for the detective to avoid it. It fell squarely on the back of his head, knocking him senseless on the instant. He dropped without so much as a groan, face forward over the table.
Floyd seized the ribbons again.
“Quick!” he cried fiercely. “Take him to my room. The crash must have been heard. Some one may come to investigate it. Wait here, Sheldon, and explain. State that you fell against the table and upset it. This way, Martin, this way! We must get him out of the house, Jim, or our game will go by the board.”
Meantime, Nick was being hurriedly removed from the suite, through a rear door.
CHAPTER VII.
A STARTLING DISCOVERY.
Nick Carter had accomplished his object, but at some little cost. He had aimed to force the suspects into some impetuous move that would fully confirm his suspicions.[Pg 28]