Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/169

 notes and some gold; so if you want the money, you have no time to lose."

"We can't get there in quarter of an hour," cried Harrison.

"Thank you, Bert, for calling my attention to the turgidness of my language. Blake has reached the station by this time. He knows the moment at which you will start from this building, and will allow thirty-seven minutes to elapse, then wait quarter of an hour longer. We are connected by telephone with the station, so if you do any damage before leaving, as you threatened Mr. Crane, you will pay very dearly for it, and you won't have time to make any depredations on the road." Stranleigh pulled out his watch. "The foot-race will begin two minutes from now."

Every man sprang to his feet, and there seemed the likelihood of a stampede, but Stranleigh held up his hand.

"It is useless attempting to leave prematurely. The doors are locked, and you cannot break them down in two minutes, but even if you did I'd telephone to Blake, and he and the money would vanish. The doors are to be opened at the exact moment by my friend the gardener, and I am sure he will watch your retreat with more joy than if he