The curtains stirred again, floating out slightly into the room.
Harriet's eyes turned to Rosmore, and saw the blood on his arm. She knew
that this was the end. Then the curtains parted swiftly, and Crosby's
blade fell with a clatter to the floor. For an instant he was struggling
in the grasp of two men who had rushed upon him from behind, and was
then borne to the ground. It was at this moment, too, that Harriet flung
back the curtain from the door and stood in the room. Perhaps she
expected Rosmore to make one late thrust at the falling man.
For a moment there was silence.
"Tie this handkerchief round my arm, mistress," said Rosmore; "the
honours have gone against me."
She did as she was told.
"Shall we secure him, sir?"
"Yes, Sayers, but gently. I would not have him hurt. Forgive me, Crosby,
I had no hand in this interruption; but, since it comes, I am glad to
take advantage of it. What brought you here, Sayers?"
"Chance," was the answer. "We were wondering where the alley led to, saw
the window unfastened, and heard the steel."
"Thank you, Harriet," said Rosmore, as she finished binding up his arm.
Pages:
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340