Page 155 - A Hero of Liége

But a peremptory voice from behind his chair caused him to sink back and
slowly turn his amazed eyes.

"Hands up!"

The old servingman had suddenly become straight. His hands no longer
trembled, his voice had lost its quaver. Covered by two revolvers, taken

aback by the suddenness of surprise, the Germans were paralysed for a few
moments. The major recovered himself first, and was opening his mouth to

shout when Granger deftly slipped a table napkin between his teeth, drew it
tight, and knotted it behind. From under the table he lifted several short
pieces of cord, and in two minutes the infuriated officer was firmly bound

to his chair.

Hellwig, meanwhile, whose face was the colour of the soldier's uniform,
had sat limply watching Granger's quick and dexterous movements. He was
dealt with in his turn.

"Call the sergeant in," said Granger to Kenneth.

The man came at the summons, found himself looking down the muzzles of
two revolvers as he entered at the door, and was soon sitting between the

others, the third guest at an empty board.

The distant sound of trotting horses drew the captors hurriedly to the
window, and brought a gleam of hope into the captives' eyes.

"Cavalry, by all the powers!" Granger ejaculated, glancing up the road.
"They are sure to visit the house. We have three men still to deal with, and

three minutes for the job. The bold simple course, Amory! You must tackle
them. Saunter out, don't hurry."

Kenneth, followed by Pariset, walked slowly towards the waiting car. The
three men in it stared in surprise.