This paper will remove it at once, I trust, and you will not hinder us in the performance of an unpleasant duty.' He produced an official envelope, handed it to Logotheti, and waited for the result.
It was unexpected when it came.

Logotheti took the paper, and as it was now almost dark he looked about for the key of the electric light.

Griggs was now close to him by the door through which they had entered, and behind which the knob was placed.
'If I can get them upstairs, lock and barricade the lower door,' whispered the Greek as he turned up the light.
He took the paper under a bracket light on the other side of the room, beside the door of the winding stair, and began to read.
His face was a study, and Griggs watched it, wondering what was coming.

As Logotheti read and reread the few short sentences, he was apparently seized by a fit of mirth which he struggled in vain to repress, and which soon broke out into uncontrollable laughter.
'The cleverest trick you ever saw!' he managed to get out between his paroxysms.
It was so well done that the detective was seriously embarrassed; but after a moment's hesitation he judged that he ought to get his warrant back at all hazards, and he moved towards Logotheti with a menacing expression.
But the Greek, pretending to be afraid that the supposed lunatic was going to attack him, uttered an admirable yell of fear, opened the door close at his hand, rushed through, slammed it behind him, and fled up the dark stairs.
The detective lost no time, and followed in hot pursuit, his two companions tearing up after him into the darkness.

Then Griggs quietly turned the key in the lock, for he was sure that Logotheti had reached the top in time to fasten the upper door, and must be already barricading it.