“Ho, ho! If I’m not mistaken, you fellows will hear something pretty soon that you can’t help understanding in three seconds instead of thirty. And you won’t like it, at that!”
The friends stared at him; finally Step spoke:
“What is it we’re not going to like?”
“Wait and see.”
“Rats!” said Step scornfully.
Zorn scowled. “Your gang has been putting on a lot of side lately, but you won’t feel so high and mighty after this.”
“How do you know we won’t?” It was the Shark who put the query, though, as a rule, he took small part in such verbal clashes.
“How—how do I know?” Zorn appeared to be staggered by the demand. Suddenly, however, his expression changed, and he pointed to a figure framed by the arch of the great doorway.
“There he is! Let him do the talking for a while.”
The Trojan slowly descended the steps. His face was pale; he moved heavily.