"You have come to demand his release, eh?" he queried. He still sat
motionless, with his eyes fixed on the black mask. "How did you pass the
outside guard?"
"He was bribed," was the ready response. "Now, Warden," the masked
intruder continued pacifically, "it would be much more pleasant all
around and there would be less personal danger in it for both of us if
you would release Signor Petrozinni without question. I may add that no
bribe was offered to you because your integrity was beyond question."
"Thank you," said the warden grimly, "and it shall remain so as long as
I have this." He tapped on the desk with the revolver.
"Oh, that isn't loaded," said the masked man quietly.
One quick glance at the weapon showed the warden that the cartridges had
been drawn! His teeth closed with a snap at the treachery of it, and
with his left hand he pulled back one of the levers--that which should
arouse the jailers, turnkeys and guards. Instead of the insistent
clangor which he expected, there was silence.
"That wire has been cut," the stranger volunteered.
With clenched teeth the warden pulled the police alarm.
Pages:
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138