I near the end of my statement. Destruction of all my effects, of all evidence of my work, and, crowning tragedy, of every trace of a life's research, was unavoidable. Knowing that every railway station and port would be watched and that my marked personality could not hope to escape the vigilance of the authorities, I determined to make a bid for freedom by seeking the shelter of my villa in London.
Cassim systematically fired the Bell House ... and perished in the flames! Under cover of the confusion which the conflagration occasioned, Nahémah and I succeeded in making our retirement by the gate opening on the Hainingham road.
But, in my attempts upon the life of Mr. Addison, I had not counted with Nahémah. I had raised up a monster ... that monster ... has destroyed me....
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE CLAWS OF THE CAT
The hoarse voice ceased. Neither Gatton nor I moved or spoke. Then:
"I have three minutes—or less," whispered Damar Greefe. "Question me. I am at your service."
"Where is your villa?" asked Gatton suddenly.
"It is called The Laurels—"