Page:MacGrath--The drums of jeopardy.djvu/353

Rh "Bungling agents. Do you know what became of them—the two who invaded your bedroom?"

"They were taken away by the police."

"So I thought. What became of the wallet?"

"I found it hidden on the back of my stove."

"I never thought to look there," said Karlov, musingly. "Who has the drums?"

"The emeralds? You haven't them!" cried Kitty, becoming her mother's daughter, though her heart never beat so thunderously as now. "We thought you had them!"

Karlov stared at her, moodily. "What is that button for, at the side of your bed?"

Kitty comprehended the working of the mind that formulated this question. If she answered this truthfully he would accept all her statements. "It rings an alarm in the basement."

Karlov nodded. "You are truthful and sensible. I haven't the emeralds."

"Perhaps one of your men betrayed you."

"I have thought of that. But if he had betrayed me the drums would have been discovered by the police. … Damn them to hell!" Kitty wondered whether he meant the police or the emeralds. "Later, food and a blanket will be brought to you. If your ramson [sic] does not appear by midnight you will be taken away. If you struggle we may have to handle you roughly. That is as you please."

Karlov went out, locking the door.