Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/224

 was towards compliance, then military discipline asserted itself. He spoke with decision.

"Just as you sat down to dinner the Earl of Stranleigh's yacht arrived outside, as near as possible to the shore. During the meal she landed, in her three boats, these twenty-four men, who entered this Castle unobserved. You will credit that, knowing my talent for organisation. All the English servants about the place have leave of absence for to-night, and are enjoying themselves at Deal, where a performance of 'An Englishman's Home' is being given. I presented each of them with a ticket."

"Burke, the telephone!" whispered the Right Honourable. "Police!"

Burke sprang to his feet, and instantly three bayonets fell to the level of his breast, whereat he paused.

"Sit down, Mr. Burke," said the captain. "All this is foolishness. There are but two courses open to you. Either you go quietly with us to Earl Stranleigh's yacht, like gentlemen, and if there is any quarrel about our action, settle it with your countryman, his lordship; or make a futile resistance and go to the yacht trussed like so many fowls sent into the kitchen of the Imperial Grand Hotel. Choose!"