“Got to take a chance, someway,” said Rex. “It’s that or holding up some other farm — why not Rakov’s?”
“We shall have Rakov as a hostage,” added Simon. “Make him tell his wife that if the police chase us we’ll — er — do him in!”
De Richleau smiled. “An excellent plan, my dear Simon. Let us then take our chance tonight”
“What’s the hurry?” Rex wanted to know. “We’ve eats enough for another day.”
“True, but you would not have us start empty-handed on our journey.”
“Not on your life. What’s the matter with Rakov’s place; we fed him five days — he can feed us ten. Let’s fill up there.”
Simon tittered into the palm of his hand as his quick eyes took in the gaunt face of the peasant lashed to the furnace in the far corner. “Think we need a slimming cure, eh?”
“Don’t be a mutt, Simon,” Rex laughed. “I didn’t mean feed us as we’ve fed him, but honest, I want another day here.”
“You still persist in your idea that the jewels are hidden in this room?” asked the Duke.
“I certainly do. If I can’t get ’em by tomorrow night, I’ll throw my hand in. What’s the harm in another day? Simon’s going fine and dandy. Once we quit this place who know’s where we’ll land up; let’s take the extra night while the going’s good.”