Again there was a brief silence, during which the steps of some one across the floor could be heard.
Nick got ready to give the signal, for he believed that the point was at hand when the burst into the room should be made, to find before them the very article that was the object of their search.
“Open it,” said the voice of Seaman, “and let us see that it’s all right.”
Again there was a brief instant of silence, when there was a sudden start, followed by an unusual commotion, cries and oaths, above which rang the voice of Lannigan, crying:
“The game’s up!”
“What trick is this?” cried Seaman, angrily.
“We’ve been robbed!” cried Lannigan and the unknown together.
Seaman laughed loud and bitterly, and said:
“It’s a plant. A dirty plant. Now I suppose you’ll undertake to rob me of this five thousand.”
“Before Heaven!” cried Lannigan, most earnestly, “it’s no plant. I tell you we’ve been robbed and since we left here this afternoon to meet you.”