little. The cord is very tight."

"Not a bit of use."

"May I know why you have trapped me in this way? I should like to see
the little hussy who deceived me."

The men laughed.

"She's a safe bait, is a woman, all the world over," said the spokesman,
"and this one's finished her part of the business well enough. Now our
parts have got to be done. Some time to-night you received a token.
We want it."

"You are welcome to any token I received," Ellerey answered.

"Give it me, then."

"Because I received none," Ellerey added.

"That's a lie," said one man.

"It is well for you that I am bound hand and foot," said Ellerey
quietly. "If I remember your face, I may ask you to repeat that some
day."

"I ask you again to give me the token you received to-night. Once it
is in my hands, you are free to depart," said the spokesman.

"And I repeat that I received no token to-night," answered Ellerey.