"Not on our lives."
"A warning whistle will start Pylotte, and we'll be on hand to do our part," added Kilgore, hurriedly. "Go back at once, and waste not a moment in getting at his game."
"Trust me, Dave."
"We must land Nick Carter and get him away from here before that running mate of his can make any move against us."
"That's the stuff."
"And then we'll plan to get the other. Away with you!"
These forcible measures were precisely what Nick had felt sure would be adopted by the gang, and were the very steps to which he had so shrewdly planned to force them.
Venner darted softly across the hall and returned to the dining room.
Nick was still examining the diamonds.
He stood near the table, at a point midway between the two open doors. He had selected this position for a very good reason. He was inviting capture and removal, which he knew must be preceded by an assault; and he therefore laid himself open from either side, aiming to be put down and out with as little violence as possible.