Her breast stirred; she stood listening; they came nearer--now were at
the door. A measured knocking broke the stillness.

"Jocelyn!" The voice was that of Sir Charles. "Are you there?" She did
not answer. "Kindly unlock the door."

* * * * *




CHAPTER XIV

AN ANSWER


The girl made no motion to obey and the knocking was repeated;
mechanically she moved toward the threshold. "Yes?" All the color had
left her face. "What--what is it?"

"Don't mean to alarm you, my dear, but Mr. Gillett thinks the convict
might be concealing himself somewhere in the house; indeed, that it is
quite likely. So we are making a little tour of inspection. Shall we not
go through your rooms? There! don't be frightened!" quickly, "only as a
matter of precaution, you know."

"I," she seemed to catch her breath, "it is really quite unnecessary. I
have been through them myself."

"Might have known that!" with an attempt at jocoseness. "But thought we