But that don't matter if there's anything----

(_Egerton stands for a moment, then resumes his walk_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Is there something I can do?

EGERTON.

(_Stopping midway between the bedroom and Anderson, to the strangers_)

What do you say?

FIRST STRANGER.

We'll do the best we can.

(_The Second Stranger removes his overcoat. The First lifts the instrument case upon the table and begins to open it. Egerton walks toward the bedroom_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Following him_)

I don't believe-- I don't believe, though, Mr. Egerton, It's any use.

FIRST STRANGER.

(_Suddenly covering Anderson with pistols which he has taken from the case_)

Keep those hands where they are.

Bolt that door, Ned.

(_The Second Detective bolts the outside door. He then comes to the table and takes from the case two pairs of handcuffs, a long black mackintosh, and a black cap_)

FIRST DETECTIVE.

Search him.

SECOND DETECTIVE.

(_Feels about Anderson's hips and sides_)

Slip on this coat.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_To Egerton, while the detective puts the coat on him_)

Well, partner, I've seen men where h.e.l.l was loud Shoot from behind dead bodies but, by G.o.d, I've never seen them shoot from such as him.

(_Nodding toward the bedroom_)

FIRST DETECTIVE.

Quick now.

EGERTON.

You know the way?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

You beat them all.

FIRST DETECTIVE.

We keep the road to the left.

EGERTON.

Over the mountains.

You'll probably have some trouble.

FIRST DETECTIVE.

We'll get there.

EGERTON.

I'll have the Express wait for you at Lucasville.

You ought to reach there----

(_Looks at his watch_)

It's now five o'clock---- By ten or eleven.

FIRST DETECTIVE.

At the outside.

(_The Second Detective hands to Egerton his son's will, which, in b.u.t.toning the coat up about Anderson, he has found in the latter's pocket_)

EGERTON.

(_Looks into it a moment_)

Um!

SECOND DETECTIVE.