Before Nick’s ringing words were fairly uttered, Deland and the three gangsters were on their feet and reaching for their weapons.
“That door!” snapped Deland, pointing to the alcove. “Close and lock it, Daggett. Pull down that curtain, Tobey, down to the sill. Not settle, eh? We’ll settle the hash of both, then, before——”
“You’re already too late!” Nick shouted.
He would have added a word or two, but they would have been lost in the tumult that then began.
Both Flynn and Daggett had started into the alcove to obey Deland’s instructions, and each had been met with a crashing blow from Chick and Patsy, dealt with precision and violence that sent both of them headlong to the floor.
Before either could rise, both detectives were in the room and had them covered, while a third revolver caused Tobey to turn from the window and throw up his hands.
Deland had been the first to realize the actual situation, and like a flash he had darted toward the hall.
Chick saw him as the rascal passed through the door.
“After him, Patsy!” he yelled, with a directing glance. “I can handle these three.”
Patsy turned and darted into the hall.