Nick knew that he was in no little peril. It was true that he could cast off his bonds at any time, and might even be able to outwit the woman and her companion, but he knew well enough that other members of the syndicate were about.
“Are you waiting for some one?” asked Nick, as the woman walked about the room.
“Yes; I am waiting for Mantelle,” was the reply.
“You will find him in the Tombs,” said Nick.
“Your plans do not appear to be working to perfection in this case,” said the woman mockingly. “Mantelle will be rescued on the way to prison.”
“And when he arrives here?”
“Then you will be executed. We shall take no more chances. Do you know that you have given us more trouble than any dozen men ever did?”
“Executed,” repeated the detective. “You use a fine word to describe the crime of murder.”
“Executed is the word. You were condemned to death a long time ago.”