"That is so, sir," the inspector admitted. "A desperate scoundrel he is, too. He's shot at and wounded all three of the policemen who entered the house, and he lies crouching before the window, threatening to shoot any one who passes up the street." "Who is in charge here?" Sabatini inquired. "Chief Inspector Raynham," the man replied, pointing to an officer in plain uniform who was standing a few yards away. "Take me to him," Sabatini directed. "I may be of use in this matter." The crowd opened to let them pass through. They were on the corner of the pavement now, and the street to their right was empty. There was a disposition on the part of the people to hug the wall and peer only round the corner, for they were within easy range of the grimy window opposite. "Mr. Inspector," Sabatini said, "I am Count Sabatini, a nobleman of the country from which that man comes. I think, perhaps, that if you will allow me to make the effort he will listen to me. I may be able to save the loss of useful lives." The chief inspector saluted. "I shouldn't recommend you to go near him, sir," he declared. "They say he's an out-and-out anarchist, the leader of one of the most dangerous gangs in London. We've got the back of the house covered and he can't escape, but he's shot three of our men who tried to get at him. The chief of police is on his way down, and we are waiting for instructions from him." Sabatini's lips parted in the faintest of smiles. One could well have imagined that he would have devised some prompter means to have secured this man if he had been in command. "You will not forbid my making the attempt, I trust?" he said, courteously. "I do so at my own risk, of course." The inspector hesitated. Sabatini, with a sudden swing of his powerful arm, made his way into the front rank. Arnold clutched at him. "Don't go," he begged. "It isn't worth while. You hear, he has shot three policemen already. You can't save him--you can't help him." Sabatini turned round with an air of gentle superiority. "My young friend," he said, "do you not understand that Isaac will not be taken alive? There is a question I must ask him before he dies."