The trio at the very moment of their sudden acquisition of Nardini’s dishonestly obtained wealth had been entrapped.
“We’re discovered!” I heard Miller cry in English.
“Whoever has found us has locked us in!”
It never occurred to them that the cupboard and the door were connected, or that Nardini had invented such an ingenious contrivance in order to entrap any thief who might discover his secret.
“We must get out of this as quickly as possible!” Gavazzi exclaimed breathlessly. “Let’s make the division of the money afterwards.”
“The window!” suggested the younger man, but a rapid examination proved it to be too strongly barred.
I heard them within the room consulting with each other as to what could be done, and was amused at their chagrin, having discovered the dead man’s hoard only to be so unexpectedly imprisoned with the wealth upon them.
The two Italians showered fierce imprecations upon whoever had bolted them in, and vowed that the police should never take them alive. They knew, too well, the serious charge they would have to face, for they knew that the body of the detective left in charge would be discovered behind the side door.
A heavy piece of furniture was brought to play upon the study door, but the sound made as they battered with it revealed to them that they were endeavouring to break down iron.
“Hush!” cried Miller suddenly. “We mustn’t make a noise like that. There are probably contadini living in the vicinity, and it will awaken them.”