She is where the friends who are invading us from the mainland will have no chance of finding her." Strang spoke as quietly as though in his own office beside the temple.
Suddenly he raised his voice.
"She is safe, Captain Plum--safe!" His eyes wavered, and traveled beyond.

As accurately as a striking serpent Nathaniel measured that glance.

It had gone to the door.

He heard a movement, felt a draft of air, and in an instant he whirled about with his pistol pointed to the door.

In another instant he had fired and the huge form of Arbor Croche toppled headlong into the room.
A roar like that of a beast came from behind him and before he could turn again Strang was upon him.