In a moment they would have flung themselves upon the face of the mob and perished, when an interruption came.

The Secretary, ever since Syme's speech, had stood with his hand to his stricken head as if dazed; now he suddenly pulled off his black mask.
The pale face thus peeled in the lamplight revealed not so much rage as astonishment.

He put up his hand with an anxious authority.
"There is some mistake," he said.

"Mr.Syme, I hardly think you understand your position.

I arrest you in the name of the law." "Of the law ?" said Syme, and dropped his stick.
"Certainly!" said the Secretary.