Westerham, however, to their further astonishment, was laughing quietly, his teeth bared in quite an amused and pleasant smile.
“Now, gentlemen,” Melun continued, “it is one of our unbreakable rules that all traitors must die. Therefore, anyone who is likely to betray us must die also.
“From what I know of this man,” he went on, “he will be too proud to purchase his freedom. In short, not to put too fine a point on it, we cannot bleed him, though his wealth is enormous. I fancy it runs into millions.”
Little cries of wonderment and anger broke from the glowering men round the table.
Westerham laughed aloud.
“In fact,” cried Melun, “though I much regret the necessity of having to take such a step, I am afraid this gentleman's last hour has arrived.
“His death,” he added quietly, “will be carried out by the usual means.”
Crow started eagerly from his chair.
“Is it to be done at once?” he asked.
“At once,” said Melun.