He was in a lift, that fierce little lift at the Army and Navy Stores. He was a liftman—he had been a liftman for years. In another half-second they would arrive at the first floor.
He pushed back his chair with a clatter—flung up his head, and the words rang out:
“This is the drapery, stationery and ironmongery departmins——”
The affrighted burglars staggered back as Eliphalet rose to his feet, and cried, “This is the jewelry, toys, games, and saddlery departmins.”
The hindmost burglar pushed his companion forward.
“Slash him, Jake!” he hissed.
The blow was struck—Eliphalet fell, and with him the curtain.
Up went the lights, and Freddie Manning rushed on to the stage.
“No calls,” he shouted. “Clear, everyone. Strike, boys!”
The big scene flats split up into sections and marched miraculously away.