Provarsk's original mercenaries, now become double traitors.

"However, it is just as well that you didn't have to—knock his brains out," the baron continued. "I find that the papers which are accessible are—not exactly those I wanted. Perhaps Mr. Kent will oblige us with the combination of his private vault?"

"Bless my soul! What an oversight!" Kent exclaimed. "You've not got the combination! Thoughtless of you. But, by the way, it would do you no good this evening, anyhow, Baron. It has the best time lock I could buy."

The baron walked over to the vault and inspected it, and it was evident that he was not familiar with such a modern device.

"Suppose you broke that clock off?" he inquired of Kent.

"Then even I could not open it," the American replied. "You may be certain that the vault will not open until after ten o'clock to-morrow."

"In that case all you can do is to give me the combination," said Provarsk, eyeing Kent insolently.

"For two centimes I wouldn't," Kent replied.

"And for two centimes, if you didn't, I'd throw you into a wet dungeon without food until you did," Provarsk promptly retorted.

"Um-m-m-h! By Jove! I believe you would,"