The fellow doggedly denied all knowledge of the prisoner.
“Fetch a rope, and throw it over that beam,” was Ompertz’s practical argument.
The rope was quickly brought and adjusted, and the noose slipped over the now grey face.
“Thirty seconds’ silence, my fine fellow, and you swing,” Ompertz announced, with military decision.
There was no mistaking his meaning.
“What do you want?” growled the ruffian.
“The opening of my friend’s prison.”
“If I show you the trick you will let me go free?”
“So far as I am concerned you may go to the devil, who is doubtless expecting you.”
“In my own time, Captain?”