g with sudden indignation.
"I believe that you are conspirators, and will take particular note of
your dwelling, in order that I may spoil your game."

He was about to turn and quit the room, when he was suddenly seized from
behind by two powerful men, who seemed to have come on the scene by
rising through the floor! At the same moment Robin was similarly
secured. They did not, however, submit tamely. Both were strong-bodied
as well as high-spirited, and Sam was large as well as strong.

But what were their powers against such odds! For a few seconds they
struggled furiously. Then, feeling that their efforts were fruitless,
they ceased.

"It is as well to go quietly, my fine fellows," said the slim man in a
slightly sarcastic tone. "We are not only more than a match for you,
but we happen to belong to a class of gentlemen who don't allow trifles
to stand in their way. At the same time we object to murder when we can
get along without it. Some of us will therefore conduct you to another
part of the city. Now, I give you fair warning, if you struggle or try
to make a noise on the way, we will silence you in a manner that will
effectually keep you quiet for ever. Just have your knives handy, men,
and don't exercise forbearance if these gentlemen turn out to be fools."

A prick in their necks by the point of some sharp instrument emphasised
these words to Robin and Sam, and, at the same time, proved that the
subordinates were quite ready, perhaps even anxious, to obey their
superior. They suffered themselves, therefore, to be blindfolded, and
led out of the house.

Of course once or twice they both thought of making a sudden struggle
and endeavouring to throw off their captors, but the vice-like strength
of the fingers that held them, and the recollection of the sharp
instruments near their necks induced discretion; besides, the absence of
the sound of footsteps told them that they could not count on aid from
passers-by, even if the dwellers in such a region had been willing to
assist them, which was not probable.

After passing quickly along several streets, the men who led them
stopped and relaxed their hold.

"Now, you stand quiet for half a minute," said one of them gruffly;
"there's a knife close to each of your spines at this moment."

Thus warned, the captives stood still for nearly a minute. Then Sam
lost patience.

"Well," he said, angrily, "how long do you mean to keep us here?"

Receiving