The guard will be off duty?

FIRST DETECTIVE.

I think so, But we've no time to lose.

(_The Second Detective handcuffs himself to Anderson on the left side. The First Detective puts the cap on Anderson so that with the high collar of the coat turned up, only his eyes are visible under the poke_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

The black cap, eh?

(_The First Detective then handcuffs himself to Anderson on the right side_)

EGERTON.

You wire me when you reach the Capitol.

FIRST DETECTIVE.

Yes, Mr. Egerton.

EGERTON.

Go briskly now.

FIRST DETECTIVE.

(_Showing Anderson his pistol_)

Now not a word from you, you understand.

(_He puts the pistol in his side overcoat pocket and keeps his hand on it_)

EGERTON.

'Twill soon be morning.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Yes, you'd better leave Before the land wakes up.

(_The detectives, with Anderson between them, go out_)

EGERTON.

We'll see, my man--

(_Puts the key on the outside of the door_)

How you'll shake down the pillars of this land.

(_He goes out and locks the door after him. A few moments pa.s.s.

Suddenly at some distance outside a shot is heard. Again a few moments pa.s.s. Then, with a crash, the door is broken in and Buck Bentley, with the will in his hand, pulls himself hurriedly through the hole. He staggers to the table and seizes the bugle and blows a loud blast, then reels and, trying to steady himself, falls dead upon the floor, taking the table down with him. There is a clattering of the ore samples and a breaking of gla.s.s, and the lamp goes out, leaving the room in darkness. A half mile or so away, in the direction of Foreston, a bugle is heard, then, farther away, another, and fainter, another, and still another. And out through the window in the starlight of the Christmas morning soldiers with rifles in their hands are seen running rear left through the snow_)