Hugh leapt forward and closed the door. He was alone in the darkness with the intruder. He had done it. The Rat was trapped.
“You dirty sneak-thief, I’ve got you,” he cried.
He switched on the electricity, and the room leaped into light. Against the far wall, cowering and clutching at it for support, was a figure in a black hood and cape.
Then it was Hugh’s turn to start back and utter a cry of dismay.
For framed in the black hood, and gazing at him wild-eyed with fear, was Margot Leblanc.
CHAPTER SIX
THERE WAS A LONG SILENCE
1.
SHRINKING against the wall the girl looked up at him, her face sick with terror. Amazement turned him to stone. Then suddenly he recovered himself; and his astonishment changed to disgust.
“Well,” he said in a hard voice, “caught you in the act, didn’t I?”
She did not answer.