"Now for the clerk, and then for the Governor."
The clerk's room connected with the armory, which was reached by
passing through the apartment that held turbine and dynamo, which they
found purring away merrily.
Covering the frightened clerk with four revolvers, Jack told him in
Russian that if he made a sound it would be his last. They took him,
opened cell Number Three, which was empty, and thrust him in.
Jangling the keys, the two entered the Governor's room. The ancient
man looked up, but not a muscle of his face changed; even his fishy
eyes showed no signs of emotion or surprise.
"Governor," said Jack with deference, "although you are under the
muzzles of a quartet of revolvers, no harm is intended you. However,
you must not leave your place until you accompany us down to the boat,
when I shall hand the keys over to you, and in cell Number One you
will find gaoler and lantern man a little worse for wear, perhaps, but
still in the ring, I hope. In Number Three your clerk is awaiting you.
I go now to release your prisoners. All communication between yourself
and the military is barred. I leave my friend on guard until I return
from the cells. You must not attempt to summon assistance, or cry out,
or move from your chair. My friend does not understand either Russian
or German, so there is no use in making any appeal to him, and much as
I like you personally, and admire your assiduity in science, our case
is so desperate that if you make any motion whatever, he will be
compelled to shoot you dead.
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