there, and I've stabbed every inch of it with this little beef

slicer. And they don't think he's come in. They haven't noticed--"

Have you fastened it?" asked the first cabman.

I'm out of frocks," said the barman.

The man with the beard replaced his revolver. And even as he did so

the flap of the bar was shut down and the bolt clicked, and then

with a tremendous thud the catch of the door snapped and the

bar-parlour door burst open. They heard Marvel squeal like a caught

leveret, and forthwith they were clambering over the bar to his

rescue. The bearded man's revolver cracked and the looking-glass at

the back of the parlour starred and came smashing and tinkling down.

As the barman entered the room he saw Marvel, curiously crumpled up

and struggling against the door that led to the yard and kitchen.

The door flew open while the barman hesitated, and Marvel was

dragged into the kitchen. There was a scream and a clatter of pans.

Marvel, head down, and lugging back obstinately, was forced to the

kitchen door, and the bolts were drawn.

Then the policeman, who had been trying to pass the barman, rushed

in, followed by one of the cabmen, gripped the wrist of the

invisible hand that collared Marvel, was hit in the face and went

reeling back. The door opened, and Marvel made a frantic effort to

118

The Invisible Man