"Both of them!" said Vroon, rubbing his hands. "I know you, you Russian rat!" cried Norton. "And if I ever get out of this I'll kill you out of hand! Damn you!" "Oh, yes; talk, talk; but it never hurts any one," jeered Vroon. "You'll never have the chance to kill me out of hand, as you say. Besides, do you know my face?" "I do. The mask doesn't matter. You're the man who had me shanghaied. The voice is enough." "Very good. That's what I wished to know. That's your death warrant. We'll do it like they used to do at the old Academy; tie you to the railroad track. We shall not hurt you at all. If some engine runs over you heaven is witness we did not guide the engine. Remember the story of the boy and the cat?" with sinister amiability. "The boy said he wasn't pulling the cat's tail, he was only holding it; the cat did the pulling. Bring him along, men. Time is precious, and we have a good deal to do before night settles down. Come on with him. The track is only a short distance." "Jim, Jim!" cried Florence in anguish. "Never you mind, girl; they're only bluffing. They won't dare." "You think so?" said Vroon. "Wait and see." He turned upon Florence. "He is your lover. Do you wish him to die?" "No, no!" "We promise to give him his freedom twelve hours from now on condition that you tell where that money is." "Florence!" warned Norton. Vroon struck him on the mouth. "Be silent, you scum!" "It is in the chest Jones, the butler, threw into the sound," she said bravely. And so it might be for all she knew. Vroon laughed. "We know about where that is." "Florence, say nothing on my account. They are not the kind of men who keep their word." "Eh?" snarled Vroon. "We'll see about that." He glanced at his watch. "In half an hour the freight comes along. It may become stalled at the wreck. But it will serve." Norton knew very well that if need said must they would not hesitate to execute a melodramatic plan of this character. It was the way of the Slav; they had to make crime abnormal in order to enjoy it. They could very well have knocked him on the head then and there and have done with him. But the time used in conveying him to the railroad might prove his salvation. Nearly four hours had passed since the sending of the telegram to Jones. They bound Florence and left her seated in the chair. As soon as they were gone she rolled to the floor. She was able to right herself to her knees, and after a torturous five minutes reached the fireplace. She burnt her hands and wrists, but the blaze was the only knife obtainable. She was free. [Illustration: THEY BOUND FLORENCE AND LEFT HER SEATED IN THE CHAIR] Jones arrived with half a dozen policemen. Vroon alone escaped. The butler caught Florence in his arms and nearly crushed the breath out of her. And she was so glad to see him that she kissed him half a dozen times. What if he was her father's butler? He was brave and loyal and kind.