Entering the dining-room, with its massive old oak furniture, de Guise, who found something uncomfortably fascinating in the eye of the partner, lighted a cigarette and took up a position on the rug before the fire, hands characteristically locked behind him.
"This is the Greuze," said Dr. Lepardo, pointing.
The Count, with the others, turned to look at the picture.
Click! Click!
He was securely handcuffed.
With an animal scream of rage the Count turned upon Lepardo, the vein throbbing on his temple, his eyes glaring in maniacal fury. He sought to speak, but only a slight froth rose to his lips; no word could he utter.
"Sit down in that chair," said Dr Lepardo.
With a gurgling scream de Guise's fury found utterance.
"Release me immediately. What——"
"Sit down!"