All these thoughts, which require some time to record, had passed through Mr. Temple’s mind with lightning-like rapidity. Not a word had been spoken since their entrance.
“Black George” continued to smile at them evilly, the Chinaman to regard them with the impassive and inscrutable countenance of his race, their false guide to stand motionless to one side.
“What is the meaning of this outrage?” demanded Mr. Temple angrily.
He determined to adopt the attitude that the ordinary citizen not in possession of the key to the situation would be likely to adopt under similar circumstances. It would not do to let “Black George” see they suspected his reason for entrapping them. That would indicate to him that they already had taken action against him.
“If it is money you want,” he said, “say so and be done with it.”
“My dear Mr. Temple,” he said, “perhaps we may get some of your money, too, before we finish with you. But that isn’t our first object.”
Silently but swiftly, the man brought lacquered stools without back supports, placed one behind each of the four, then lifted the hangings and disappeared.
“Sit down,” said “Black George” in a suave voice, “and let us talk things over.”
“I hope,” said “Black George,” “that my men did not handle you roughly. They had instructions not to, and if they disobeyed they shall be punished.”
“Come, come,” said Mr. Temple, “drop this note of hospitality and come to the point. We are prisoners, we have been foully entrapped. What is your object?”
Dropping something of his suavity and letting more of his true character show, “Black George” leaned forward.
“I think you know, Mr. Temple,” He said, “my reason for bringing you here.”
Mr. Temple was determined to maintain an attitude of outraged innocence.
“I mean,” said the other, his voice growing more harsh, “that you have been meddling in matters that did not concern you.”
“Your young men”—with a sweep of the hand that indicated the three chums—“overheard words not intended for their ears on the Flyer from the East. They sat on the observation platform while I was in conversation with a companion.”
“No, it’s far from well,” said the other menacingly. “You called Inspector Burton to your apartment at the Palace.”