It was followed an instant later by a gleam of light and Howland darted quickly back to the table.

He heard the slipping of a bolt outside the door and it flashed on him then that he should have thrown himself back into his old position on the floor.

It was too late for this action now.

The door swung open and a shaft of light shot into the chamber.

For a space Howland was blinded by it and it was not until the bearer of the lamp had advanced half-way to the table that he recognized his visitor as Jean Croisset.