Johnston McCulley

“ Barnes said. “I'm turning him loose now.”
“You let him go so he can send for the police. I've been listening. Those men are going to kill my uncle——”
“Keep quiet, or they'll hear you.”
“And you are one of them,” she told Barnes. “You locked me in that room. But I knew a way out, you see. If you are letting that man loose it is some trick. You'll kill him, too.”
“It's all right, Miss Waldorp,” Dratter whispered. “We're going to get those men——”
“So they have bought you, have they?” she said, stepping nearer. “If you can talk that way, then you have joined hands with them.” ”

“ Dratter said. “They want the police and Slone to think Waldorp was killed by one of The Chameleon's gang, so Slone will stop going after them and look for The Chameleon.”
“Very clever,” said Barnes. “Is The Chameleon as great as he is painted?”
“Don't ask me. These men seem to think he is a big one. If The Chameleon is that sort of master crook, and he knew about this he'd certainly make it hot for Granilton and the other four.” ”

“ I want them to feel secure, you know; want them busy baiting Waldorp. We've only the one gun. We may get the worst of it.”
“Can't we find another weapon?”
“I've been through the house—nothing but a butcher knife. I'll hold 'em up from the door, and you can disarm the nearest man. I guess we can handle them then. If it is necessary, shoot, quick and straight. Understand?”
“You can depend upon me,” Dratter said.
“I'll listen at the door again, and get the ropes and cords.”
Barnes went into the hall and slipped along it to the door of the big room. Granilton was still talking. ”