"If you think--"
"Stop right there, Venner," Nick sternly commanded. "Speaking of games,
I am here to discover what sort of a rascally game you and this Kilgore
gang are playing. I have learned enough to show me that you are a knave
and a--"
"By heavens, Carter--"
"Stop!" thundered Nick. "Don't pull a gun! If you do, I'll end your--"
But he got no further, for there the climax came.
A single sharp whistle sounded from the kitchen.
Instantly Nick felt a rope noose jerked taut around his ankles, nearly
throwing him from his feet.
From beneath the table, the hanging cover of which had effectually
concealed him, Jean Pylotte had managed to adjust the noose upon the
floor about Nick's legs. At the signal given him, he had quickly drawn
it taut.
At the same moment Kilgore and Matt Stall leaped upon Nick from the
kitchen and hall doors, bearing him heavily to the floor, while Venner
ran to clap a revolver to the detective's head.
"Hang to his feet, Pylotte," cried Kilgore, fiercely.
"I've got 'em fast," shouted the diamond maker, from under the table.
"Quit, Carter, or I'll blow your brains out," commanded Venner, with his
pistol at Nick's head.
Nick had been making a great bluff at putting up an ugly fight, but now
he very agreeably subsided.
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