Then he went behind Jean and untied his hands.

When he sat down at his own side of the table he cocked his revolver and placed it beside his tin plate.

Jean grimaced and shrugged his shoulders.
"It means business," said his captor warningly.

"If at any time I think you deserve it I shall shoot you in your tracks, Croisset, so don't arouse my suspicions." "I took your word of honor," said Jean sarcastically.
"And I will take yours to an extent," replied Howland, pouring the coffee.

Suddenly he picked up the revolver.