“So I suppose,” said Michael, setting down the vessel nearly empty. “I hate showing discourtesy to a host, but I have made a practice all my life of pouring out my own drinks when I’m in dubious company, and hanging on to them until I’m finished.” The doctor glanced at the cup and his face cleared. It had been so absurdly easy, though the danger was by no means over. “What I like about you, Dorn, is that you’re a gentleman. I’m not paying you a compliment. I’m merely stating a fact. I’ve had to do with a few police officers who have been the scum of the gutter, and the contrast is refreshing. You were kidding about striking me off the register, weren’t you?” Michael shook his head. “I never kid. I am the man who intends making a personal application at the next meeting of the Council,” he said. “You can be sure that I shall be able to lay before them sufficient proof to make your position in England a pretty uncomfortable one.” Tappatt forced a smile. “In that case,” he said, rising, “I’d better do what I can to get on the right side of you. If you will come with me, I will show you something you’ve overlooked.” He smiled in the other’s face, and Michael followed him down the passage into the yard. “You were rather unkind about the airiness of this admirable place of detention,” said Tappatt. He stood on the top of the steps which led to the underground room. “Did it occur to you that it might be just a little more airy than you had imagined? Come!” He ran down the steps, pushed open the heavy door, and went into the cellar chamber. “You did not see the trap-door in the corner of the room, did you?” Michael pushed past him and strode across the brick floor. He had taken three steps when the door shut. The key squeaked as it turned and there came to him the sound of Tappatt’s mocking laughter.… “That is a trick of mine--now show me your trick with the gun!” laughed the doctor. A splinter of wood leapt from the door; there was the sound of a muffled explosion and Tappatt scrambled up the steps, laughing hysterically. He ran back to the room. Michael’s cup stood on the table, and he spooned a quantity of the lukewarm liquid and tasted it, smacking his lips. “Brain against brain. I think I’ve scored the final point!” he said with satisfaction. It had been so crudely simple. What would happen after, he did not stop to consider.