I was trapped.

In a moment I realized my folly in trusting myself in the hands of these people.
"I could hear their voices in the hall, apparently in eager discussion.
"'But the fellow is priceless,' the General was saying.

'We could take him round to all the different houses and make him fix them all.

Hang it, Bishop, I haven't had a decent tap running for two years, and Admiral Hay's pantry has been flooded since last March.' "'But one couldn't compel him ?' "'Certainly, why not?
I'd compel him bally quick with this.' "I couldn't see what the General referred to, but had no doubt that it was the huge wrench that he still carried in his hand.
"'We could gag the fellow,' he went on, 'take him from house to house and make him put everything right.' "'Ah, but afterwards ?' said the Bishop.
"'Afterwards,' answered the General, 'why kill him! Knock him on the head and bury him under the cement in the cellar.

Hay and I could easily bury him, or for that matter I imagine one could easily use the furnace itself to dispose of him.' "I must confess that my blood ran cold as I listened.
"'But do you think it right ?' objected the Bishop.