"Nonsense," said Kemp.

Let me see," said the Invisible Man, and advanced, arm extended,

to the door.

And then things happened very swiftly. Kemp hesitated for a second

and then moved to intercept him. The Invisible Man started and stood

still. "Traitor!" cried the Voice, and suddenly the dressing-gown

opened, and sitting down the Unseen began to disrobe. Kemp made

three swift steps to the door, and forthwith the Invisible Man--his

legs had vanished--sprang to his feet with a shout. Kemp flung the

door open.

As it opened, there came a sound of hurrying feet downstairs and

voices.

With a quick movement Kemp thrust the Invisible Man back, sprang

aside, and slammed the door. The key was outside and ready. In

another moment Griffin would have been alone in the belvedere

study, a prisoner. Save for one little thing. The key had been

slipped in hastily that morning. As Kemp slammed the door it fell

noisily upon the carpet.

Kemp's face became white. He tried to grip the door handle with

both hands. For a moment he stood lugging. Then the door gave six

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