y old friend Draper,' he said suavely. 'We have
been wondering for the last twenty-four hours how we might best get hold
of you, and the means we have employed so successfully seemed the only
possible way. Have no fear, my lord, you shall not be hurt. In less than
twenty-four hours you will enjoy the society of your energetic friend
Mr. Hatteras again.'

"'What is your reason for abducting me like this?' I asked. 'You are
foolish to do so, for Mr. Hatteras will leave no stone unturned to find
me.'

"'I do not doubt that at all,' said Dr. Nikola quietly; 'but I think Mr.
Hatteras will find he will have all his work cut out for him this time.'

"'If you imagine that your plans are not known in Sydney you are
mistaken,' I cried. 'The farce you are playing at Government House is
detected, and Mr. Hatteras, directly he finds I am lost, will go to Lord
Amberley, and reveal everything.'

"'I have not the slightest objection,' returned Dr. Nikola quietly. 'By
the time Mr. Hatteras can take those steps--indeed, by the time he
discovers your absence at all--we shall be beyond his reach.'

"I could not follow his meaning, of course, but while he had been
speaking I had been looking stealthily round me for a means of escape.
The only way out of the room was, of course, by the door, but both
Nikola and his ally were between me and that. Then a big stone hatchet
hanging on the wall near me caught my eye. Hardly had I seen it before
an idea flashed through my brain. Supposing I seized it and fought my
way out. The door of the room stood open, and I noticed with delight
that the key was in the lock on the outside. One rush, armed with the
big hatchet, would take me into the passage; then before my foes could
recover their wits I might be able to turn the key, and, having locked
them in, make my escape from the house.

"Without another thought I made up my mind, sprang to the wall, wrenched
down the hatchet, and prepared for my rush. But by the time I had done
it both Nikola and Draper were on their feet.

"'Out of my way!' I cried, raising my awful weapon aloft. 'Stop me at
your peril!'

"With my hatchet in the air I looked at Nikola. He was standing rigidly
erect, with one arm out-stretched, the hand pointing at me. His eyes
glared like living coals, and when he spoke his voice came from between
his teeth like a serpent's hiss.

"'Put down that axe!' he said.

"With that the old horrible fear of him which had seized me on