"Quick! I'm Sanford Quest, detective--special powers from the chief commissioner." The man moved to the signal.

Another voice thundered in his ears.

He turned swiftly around.

The Irishman's red head had appeared at the top of the staircase.
"Drop that signal and I'll blow you into bits!" he shouted.
The operator hesitated, dazed.
"Walk towards me," Gallagher shouted.

"Look here, you guy, this'll show you whether I'm in earnest or not!" A bullet passed within a few inches of the operator's head.