He tried the door, found it unfastened, and with his revolver ready in
his hand, threw it open. Then he walked slowly toward the table, turned
the wick of the lamp high, and surveyed the room carefully. The doors of
the rooms that opened from the apartment stood ajar; he followed the wall
cautiously, kicked them open, peered into the room where Armitage's
things were scattered about, and found his iron bed empty. Then he walked
quickly to the veranda and summoned the others.
"Bring him in!" he said, without taking his eyes from the room.
A moment later Zmai had lifted the silent rider to the veranda, and flung
him across the threshold. Durand, now aroused, fastened the horses to the
veranda rail.
Chauvenet caught up some candles from the mantel and lighted them.
"Open the trunks in those rooms and be quick; I will join you in a
moment;" and as Durand turned into Armitage's room, Chauvenet peered
again into the other chambers, called once or twice in a low tone; then
turned to Zmai and the prisoner.
"Take off the bag," he commanded.
Chauvenet studied the lines of the erect, silent figure as Zmai loosened
the strap, drew off the bag, and stepped back toward the table on which
he had laid his revolver for easier access.
Pages:
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301