ng from a polished leather belt, and
depending from it also was an empty leather holster. Gripped
threateningly in his right hand was a blue revolver.

The shrill voice of the man from the Jen Kee Road place rose sharply
above the momentary tumult.

In this quick confusion a pale, obnoxious odor, like opium fresh from
the poppy, yet with the savor of almonds, flooded Peter's throat. He
was vaguely aware of a fumbling in his coat-pocket. Explosions sounded
as from afar and a vast redness settled down and encompassed the world.

The interval of dark was surprisingly short-lived. Swimming in and out
of his distorted vision was a face. He was conscious for a while of no
other impression. The face reeled, came closer--danced away from him!
Bright eyes sparkled, leaped, and hung motionless.

He inhaled a new perfume, deliciously like flowers in a summer meadow.
It injected fresh life into him. His hands found power, and he
clutched at a soft wrist. The owner of this face was talking eagerly.

"We are alone--alone!"

With great effort he found he could incline his head a little. He was
struggling. Hot vapors clogged his brain. Where were the girls,
Anthony, the young lieutenant from the _Madrusa_?

"Where are they?"

"Safe."

He could recognize the features now distinctly; yet they stirred up in
him no longer a feeling of repugnance, but a vague longing.

"Romola!"

"Yes, Peter. You are feeling stronger?"

"What am I doing here? What is this place?"

"We are in the cellar."

It was very dim, with an odor of moldy dampness. The rock foundation,
the walls, and floor were perspiring whitely.

Peter's brain became clogged again. The voice came to him softly but
quite distinctly, with each word clear and emphatic:

"He is waiting outside. They will not dare come into my house again!"

"I am dizzy. Who will not dare? Who is outside?" he demanded feebly.

"The man from the Jen Kee Road place. He is waiting outside that
window. No, No! He cannot see. It is covered with silk."

Peter fell back against the arm. "What does he want?"

"Your answer. I told him to wait. I promised him; I will hold the
candle to the window."

"But I am dizzy," he groaned. "I do not understand."

"Once--means 'yes.' Twice--means 'no.'"

He delivered every ounce of his mental energy against the drug in his
brain; it was like struggling against the tide. "Once--means 'yes?'
Twice--means 'no?'" The meanin