Graham saw the latter start back, gesticulate to them to conceal themselves, and move as if to hide behind the opening door.
As he did so Howard appeared, a little tray in one hand and his heavy face downcast.

He started, looked up, the door slammed behind him, the tray tilted side-ways, and the steel wedge struck him behind the ear.

He went down like a felled tree, and lay as he fell athwart the floor of the outer room.

The man who had struck him bent hastily, studied his face for a moment, rose, and returned to his work at the door.
"Your poison!" said a voice in Graham's ear.
Then abruptly they were in darkness.

The innumerable cornice lights had been extinguished.