CHAPTER IX
ROBBERY UNDER ARMS
The stern command, backed by the silent persuasion afforded by the sinister muzzle of an automatic pistol, was promptly obeyed. Almost simultaneously twenty mosquito curtains were drawn back and twenty pairs of hands held as high as the limited space permitted.
Even the bravest of the passengers, newly roused from sleep, felt disinclined to try conclusions with that tall, broad-shouldered man who upheld his one-sided arguments with pistol.
The presence of a second robber seemed hardly necessary, yet there was another—a short, burly, masked man, who, in addition to holding a revolver, brandished a formidable "pine-apple" bomb.
"No hanky-panky," resumed the bearded bandit. "The first man that stirs gets a dose of this in double-quick time. Any sign of a general commotion, and my chum will deal with it quite effectively. Each gentleman in turn will kindly produce his purse, so the job can be done properly. Now, sir."
Colin watched the business proceed with mixed feelings. It was exciting, very, to be in an actual "hold-up"; it would be something to write home about and to regale his former school chums at Stockmere. But it was quite another matter to have to hand over his valuables, small though they were. Of course, he thought, he would have to produce the swastika, since there was no hiding-place that would escape detection.
The thought of the swastika led to that of its giver. It seemed a strange parallel that Van der Wyck should have been held up in a very similar manner—or at least circumstances pointed to it—within ten or twelve days of the present robbery. The two places were far apart, it was true.
Sinclair's thoughts were interrupted by a guttural exclamation from one of the German passengers. Possibly he thought that the robbers were Hun malcontents, who, refusing to accept the reasonable terms laid down by their conquerors, were still maintaining some sort of guerilla warfare, and that by proclaiming the fact that he was a German would secure immunity.
"A Hun, are you?" exclaimed the robber chief vehemently. "Wonder you're not ashamed to own it. I'll go through your kit pretty thoroughly, Fritz."