Grimm, you are in very grave danger."
"That is beside the question," was the reply. "Be good enough to give me
that document."
He backed away as he spoke, kicked the door closed with one heel, then
leaned against it, facing them.
"Or better yet," he went on after a moment, "burn it. There is a lamp in
front of you." He paused for an answer. "It would be absurd of me to
attempt to take it by force," he added.
XXIII
THE PERCUSSION CAP
There was a long, tense silence. The cowled figures had risen ominously;
Miss Thorne paled behind her mask, and her fingers gripped her palms
fiercely, still she sat motionless. Prince d'Abruzzi broke the silence.
He seemed perfectly calm and self-possessed.
"How did you get in?" he demanded.
"Throttled your guard at the front door, took him down cellar and locked
him in the coal-bin," replied Mr. Grimm tersely. "I am waiting for you
to burn it."
"And how did you escape from--from the other place?"
Mr. Grimm shrugged his shoulders.
"The lamp is in front of you," he said.
"And find your way here?" the prince pursued.
Again Mr. Grimm shrugged his shoulders.
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