"Sometimes you appeal to me--your nerve's nearly as good as mine," he said. Nevertheless, Surcon's action gave him furiously to think. The Apex hadn't reacted according to schedule. Somewhere up that enigmatic sleeve was a trump card, and Storm had an uneasy suspicion that he could guess what it was without much chance of error. As he had said, he never put up a bluff without having an even chance of pulling through if it crashed. That even chance had suddenly tumbled down the market to about three to one against. And yet, for all that momentary misgiving, he never changed his calm, arrogant poise. No need to show your bluff till all the other cards are on the table, if you can avoid it... Surcon had put on a black silk handkerchief by way of a mask, and was pulling his hat down over his eyes. "A slight precaution, though I doubt its necessity," he explained, and then Susan was outside the door. Storm recognised her footsteps, but Morini came in alone. Affecting lack of interest, Storm heard every word of conversation which passed between Morini and his Chief, and Kit's brow furrowed for a second as he endeavoured to account for what Mecklen had seen. And then Susan was in the room, and a little of Storm's grimness relaxed as he heard her gasp of surprise. "Hullo, kid," he drawled cheerfully. "Sleep well? I hear Lew was a naughty boy last night. Don't worry--I'm going to strafe ole Lew very soon!" "How did you get here?" She had taken her cue from him, and was smiling, playing up gloriously to him. "Don't say they got you after all?" "I think not," Storm said carefully. "The general impression at the moment is that I've got _them_!" Surcon's smile distorted his tight mouth into a cryptic grimace. "Morini--fetch all the men who are in the building. Make sure Mecklen comes." Once again Gat departed. Storm stepped off the daïs and went to Susan. His back was to Surcon, which fact gave him an opportunity to wink encouragingly at her. His grin was cheerfulness itself, but she did not like the metallic light which lay behind his expressive eyes. He took her arm and led her back to the platform, and she thrilled to the cool steadiness of his hand. Men began to file into the room, taking their places at the benches without speaking. Clearly the vanity of the Triangle had made him summon such portentous assemblies before, for the men moved like a well-trained company of soldiers at Church Parade. Storm had time to be amused. "Mecklen!" All the men were in their seats, and the Apex spoke out resonantly. Lew came forward sheepishly. "Take that girl!"