In this gap was a face pressed up against the glass. To his
astonishment Desmond recognized the weather-beaten features of
the odd man, Mr. John Hill. The face remained there only for a
brief instant. The next moment it was gone and Desmond's
attention was once more claimed by the progress of the
conference.
"Do I understand that you refuse to serve under we any longer?"
Mortimer was saying to Behrend, who had risen from the settee and
stood facing him.
"As long as you continue to behave as you are doing at present,"
replied the other, "you may understand that!"
Mortimer made a quick dive for his pocket. In an instant Max had
jumped at him and caught his arm.
"Don't be a fool!" he cried, "for Gawd's sake, put it away,
carn't yer? D 'you want the 'ole ruddy plice abart our ears?"
"I'll have no disobedience of orders," roared Mortimer,
struggling with the other. In his fist he had a big automatic
pistol. It was a prodigious weapon, the largest pistol that
Desmond had ever seen.
"He threatened him, he threatened him!" screamed No. 13 jumping
about on his stool.
"Take it away from him, Max, for Heaven's sake!" cried the lady.
Everybody was talking at once. The noise was so loud that Desmond
wondered whether old Martha would hear the din.
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