"I have no ill will toward you," the words ran, "you have two minutes
to leave here, and get safely away."
When he saw that this had been read, Locke threw down the paper and
took out his watch. Then he pointed toward the door and sat waiting.
It was strange to see the little man sitting there calmly, with only
the pressure of a finger between him and eternity. But Ashton-Kirk
knew stern resolution too well to mistake the look on the mute's
face. There was nothing to do but to obey. He waved his hand in a
farewell. Locke returned the gesture. Then Ashton-Kirk walked to the
door, opened it and stepped out.
Pendleton, patiently watching among the trees, saw him emerge and at
once moved toward him; to his amazement the investigator took him by
the arm and broke into a run.
"What the deuce is the matter now?" asked Pendleton, after they had
passed the gate and were racing down the road.
"You'll know in a few moments," returned Ashton-Kirk grimly.
He permitted no pause until they reached the car, the engine of which
had not been stopped.
"Quick, for your lives!" he ordered, as he leaped in.
Pendleton and Burgess followed instantly. The car had scarcely begun
its plunge forward when a horrible rending shock staggered them.
Pages:
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307