When in America, Westerham had found it necessary to force more than one door; and now he pursued the tactics which he had found efficacious on previous occasions.
Swiftly he drew his own revolver from his hip-pocket and held out his other hand for Mendip's. Mendip, with his eyes beaming, passed his own weapon to Westerham without a word.
He then placed the noses of both the six-shooters on the woodwork just above the lock, pointing them downwards so that no damage might be done to the ministers within. He pulled the triggers simultaneously, and the sound of splintered woodwork and riven iron followed instantaneously on the double report.
The door all about the lock was shattered into matchwood, and Westerham, thrusting his foot forward, pushed it open.
Mendip sprang back in fear lest his face should be recognised by any of the startled ministers, while Westerham strode calmly into the room.
The Cabinet Council was in full session about a long oval table.
The Premier, who sat opposite the door, had risen from his seat, and with a white face was staring directly into Westerham's eyes.
The other ministers had thrust back their chairs, and were now upon their feet. There was complete silence.
Westerham had not the slightest fear of any of them being armed, and without a pause walked over to the table and knocked sharply with the butt of his revolver on the polished wood.
“Lord Penshurst,” he said quietly, “I wish to speak to you.”