There were six men in the room; he guessed that
the Baron was one of those people who carry revolvers about with them,
and two of the others were police soldiers, also armed with revolvers.
He was evidently at their mercy. Short of throwing at least three of
the party out of the window, nothing could avail. Such things are done
without an effort on the stage by the merest wisp of a man, but in
real life one must be a Hercules or a gladiator even to attempt them.
Malipieri thought of what Sabina had said in the vault. Had any two
people ever been in such a situation before?
For one instant, his heart stood still, and he passed his hand over
his eyes.
"Excuse me," he said then, quite naturally. "I had dressed to go to
your house this morning, and I fell asleep in my chair while waiting
till it should be time. How did you get in? And why have you brought
these people with you?"
He was perfectly cool now, and the Baron regretted that he had made a
forcible entrance.
"I must really apologize," he answered. "The porter rang yesterday
evening, several times, and again this morning, but could get no
answer, and as you had told me that you were going to change your
quarters, we supposed that you had left and had accidentally taken the
key with you."
Malipieri did not believe a word of what he said, but the tone was
very apologetic.
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