I decided at once against the first. The delay might prove fatal to Althea’s father; for the man, Gassen, was quite capable of knocking him on the head or shooting him when he found that he was to be baulked of his revenge on me.
The same objection applied to the second alternative. And even more strongly. He might insist upon being left in charge of the old man; and in that event I could not entertain a doubt that Althea would never see her father again alive.
The third course appeared at first sight the most dangerous; but was not so in reality. There were only three men in the room beyond; and two of these were opposed to Gassen’s policy of violence. And with him I need have no scruples; and should have the advantage of surprise.
I was very unwilling to take life; and the reluctance was so strong that, although I felt perfectly justified in creeping up to the room and shooting him before he saw me, I could not persuade myself to do it. But I would shoot him with no more compunction than I would have shot a dog, the instant he made any sign of an attempt to harm me.
I decided therefore that the bolder course was also the safer; and I began to edge myself free from the sacks under which I lay concealed. In doing this I made enough noise to attract the attention of the men.
"What’s that?" It was Gassen’s voice and he sprang to his feet.
Gassen came out and stood listening. I could have shot him then and ended the affair; but my reluctance to kill a man in cold blood stayed my hand.
"It must be the boat," he murmured, turning back for a moment into the room. "I’ll go down and see. They may want my help; and we may be able to use your river scheme after all."
"Don’t do anything rash, Gassen. A shot out there in the night would rouse the whole city. For God’s sake, man, be cautious."
"Oh, to hell with your caution," he muttered as he came out again and went to the stairs. "If I don’t come back, you’ll know I’ve taken him down the river."
In a second I had another scheme and one that pleased me better. The only really dangerous man there was Gassen; and I resolved to follow him and tackle him alone.
He all but closed the door of the room after him, and I slipped from my shelter and crept as noiselessly as I could after him.