With a sudden movement, he struck this into the bottom of the trunk, and then withdrew it.
A dark red stream followed the blade when it was withdrawn. The end of the trunk projected over the side of the couch, and the red fluid dripped upon the carpet.
"My God!" exclaimed Gaspard. "It is blood!"
"So it would seem," said Nick, quietly.
He set the trunk upon the floor and snapped back the lock with a skeleton key.
Then he threw open the lid and revealed a mass of excelsior and scraps of newspapers.
This being torn away disclosed a dead and ghastly face—the face of unfortunate Corbut, the waiter.