way. Go!” He was gone, a fleet flying, vanishing back into the darkness under the gallery. Out of it came the soft closing of the door. The room swayed, pale light and darkness swam and coalesced. She knew she was near a table and put out her hand to steady herself by it, something solid to hold to for one minute. The polished surface slid under her fingers and she groped out with the hand that held the book. The book slipped from her clasp, fell with a thud like [Pg 144]a thunderclap, and a grasping snatch to save it swept a lamp crashing to the floor. Panic dispelled her faintness and she made a rush for the door. She had gained it. Her fingers clutched round the knob, as she heard the steps of the men in the hall and knew it was too late to escape. [Pg 144] They burst in, thrust into the room’s dim quiet as if shot by a blast. “It’s nothing,” she called, hearing her voice thin and hoarse. “Nothing’s happened. It’s only Anne Tracy.” The lights leaped out and she saw them, Bassett with his hand on the electric button, stricken still, looking this way and that. His eye found her first, backed against the door, a small green-clad figure with an ashen face. “What’s this mean?” said Rawson. “Nothing.” She was afraid the handle would rattle with the shaking of her hand so let it go. “I upset the lamp in the dark. I didn’t see it that’s all.” “What are you doing here?” [Pg 145] [Pg 145] “I came down to get my book. I forgot and left it when I went up-stairs.” She could get her breath now and her voice was under control. She felt strength oozing back into her body and with it courage. “You’re as white as a sheet,” Williams blurted out. “Did something frighten you?” demanded Bassett.
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