IN WHICH DAVE IS ROBBED Dave found himself in a decidedly unpleasant situation.

The door of the room was locked and Tom Shocker stood against it.

The man lit the gas, but allowed it to remain low.

Dave saw Nat Poole standing close to a bed.

The money-lender's son had a small bottle and some cotton in his hand.
"I suppose this is a trick ?" said Dave, as coolly as he could.
"Rather good one, too, isn't it ?" returned Nat, lightly.
"That depends on how you look at it, Nat.