Dunn perceived that a need was on him to know for certain whether
his dreadful secret had been discovered or not.
Until he had assured himself on that point Dunn felt comparatively
safe, but he still knew also that to allow the faintest suspicion
to dawn in Deede Dawson's mind would mean for him instant death.
He saw, too, watching very warily and ready to take advantage of
any momentary slip or forgetfulness, how steady was Deede Dawson's
hand, how firm and watchful his eyes.
With many men, with most men indeed, Dunn would have seized or made
some opportunity to dash in and attack, taking the chance of being
shot down first, since there are few indeed really skilled in the
use of a revolver, the most tricky if the most deadly of weapons.
But he realized he had small hope of taking unawares this fat
little smiling man with the unsmiling eyes and steady hand, and he
was well convinced that the first doubtful movement he made would
bring a bullet crashing through his brain.
His only hope was in delay and in diverting suspicion, and Deede
Dawson's voice was very soft and deadly as he said:
"So you've been looking in the bedrooms, have you? What did you
find there?"
"Nothing, sir, not a thing," protested Dunn. "I didn't touch a
thing, I only wanted to look round before coming down here to see
about the silver.
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