The fellow’s tone nettled the detective. Almost before he realized what he was doing, he burst his bonds and sprang at the man. There was a sharp report and a puff of smoke.
Then the woman, who had turned from the window in alarm, saw the young man lying unconscious on the floor, and saw, also, that the detective was no longer bound.
Nick gazed at the woman steadily for a second.
“I don’t know what to do with you,” he said. “It is not the office of a gentleman to bind and gag a woman, yet something must be done.”
The woman gazed anxiously in the direction of the door.
“Don’t expect Mantelle,” said Nick. “He is in the Tombs by this time.”
Then a step sounded in the hall outside.
“He is coming!” cried the woman.
Nick lifted his revolver.
“I hope so,” he said.