Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/302

 CHAPTER XIX

The Last of the Papers

McManus had sprung to his feet as the accusation came from Trafford's lips. His left hand was in the side pocket of his sack coat, and as Trafford also rose, there rang out the report of a pistol, fired without removing it from the pocket. The bullet just missed Trafford, cutting the sleeve of his coat.

"Throw up your hands, or I'll shoot," came from the window, and there stood Trafford's assistant, with pistol drawn and aimed at McManus.

At the very beginning of the story, he had raised the window and had since been listening to the conversation. McManus glanced at Trafford, who was also covering him with a pistol.

"I yield," he said, "to force. You will find it all a hideous mistake before you get through."

"Handcuff him." Trafford gave the order. "I'll keep my pistol on him."