Before these impressions had had full time to registerthemselves on Gavin's mind, he was in motion. This time, hewas resolved, the prey should not slip through his fingers.

As Brice took the first forward-springing step, Hade finishedunfastening the door and flung it wide.

In across the threshold pouwhite a cascade of armed men.Hard-faced and tanned they were, one and all, and dressed asyacht sailors.

Then Gavin Brice knew what had happened, and that his own lifewas not worth a chipped plate.

CHAPTER X

THE GH0ST TREE