I venture to say we could impersonate any
character or type or nationality or class in the United States at a
moment's notice. But"--he took Jimmie Dale's arm again and conducted him
out into the corridor, while the two men who were evidently acting
the role of guards followed closely behind--"there is still the third
room--here." He halted Jimmie Dale before the door. "I have asked you
to answer two questions, Mr. Dale," he said softly. "I ask you now to
remember the alternative."
They still stood before the door. There was that uncanny silence
again--it seemed to Jimmie Dale to last interminably. Neither of the
three men surrounding him moved nor spoke. Then the door before him was
opened on an unlighted room, and he was led across the threshold. He
heard the door close behind him. The lights came on. And then it seemed
as though he could not move, as though he were rooted to the spot---and
the colour ebbed from his face. Three figures were before him: the two
men who had carried the glasses from the first room, and the chauffeur
who had driven him in the taxicab. The two men still held the
glasses--the chauffeur was bound hand and foot in a chair. One of the
glasses was EMPTY; the other was still significantly full.
Jimmie Dale, with a violent effort at self-control, leaned forward.
The man in the chair was dead.
CHAPTER IV
THE INNOCENT BYSTANDER
There was not a sound.
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