This remark was certainly true.

While Harry had the advantage of using the girl as a shield, the four
Canadians held the old detective at their mercy.

Harry drew his pistol.

The girl began to struggle to get free.

"Keep still!" said the boy in threatening tones. "If any harm befalls my
partner, I'll put a bullet in you, young woman!"

The terrible earnestness of his voice alarmed her.

"You wouldn't injure a lady, would you?" she asked, appealing to his
manhood. "No gentleman would do that."

"You are only a criminal," he replied coldly, "and as it's a case of our
lives or yours, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot you to save ourselves."

Detectives are not sentimental.

On the contrary, their work makes them harsh.

Harry wanted to scare the girl and he succeeded well, for she remained
passive, and burst into tears.

The boy quickly saw his advantage and cried: