So promptly did they accomplish the ascent of the stairs that Shadow had no time to cross the store floor to the hall.
As already described, the bull's-eye flashed its light on him, after which there was a grand rush at him, followed by a low groan and the thud of a falling body.
"Poor fellow!" I inwardly exclaimed. "Poor Mrs. Morris—how her son's death will grieve her."
Meanwhile I was not idle.
My hand had dipped into my pocket, and now held a parlor match.
"Ready!"
So I lowly said to my men.
Then I suddenly struck the match, glanced around, sprang to the gas fixture my eye lighted on, turned on the gas, and in less than five seconds from the time of striking the match, the scene was lighted by a blazing gas jet.
"Surrender!" I sternly ordered, leveling a brace of revolvers, before the rascals had ceased to gasp in surprise at the sudden turn affairs had taken.
Then they turned and made a rush toward the trap-door behind the bar.