“I was just going to the parlor, sir,” he said. “I have a message for you.”
“Deliver it,” said Julius shortly.
“A call, rather,” said Patsy, correcting his mistake.
“Well?”
“It is a request to call at room fourteen. That is it, there at the right.”
Julius made a motion with his hand, and the woman closed the door of the private parlor. He then stepped up to the door of fourteen and knocked lightly on the panel.
“You asked for me?” he said, as Chick opened the door.
Nick was nowhere in sight. The messenger followed on as Julius stepped into the room.
It all took place in a second, and Mantelle lay bound, gagged, and panting on the carpet.
“That was quietly done,” said Nick, stepping out of a closet. “I was afraid the noise might attract attention.”