Bonesy Billings, Chick and Patsy were all gathered about him, each one watching for some other indications of returning intelligence besides that contained in the single word, “Bessie!”
It was this moment of which Louden Powers took advantage. With a sign to Lampton, Louden crept toward the door.
But Nick was on the alert, even though so deeply engaged.
“Not yet, Louden!” he shouted, as he rushed forward to cut off the rascal’s escape.
“Get back!” roared Powers. “You’d better, if you don’t want to get this.”
He had picked up a heavy, cut-glass water bottle from the table, and was swinging it around his head.
Nick dashed at him, and Louden let the bottle go with all his force.
The detective ducked, and the bottle went past.
A shriek from Bessie Silvius made him turn quickly.