From her position she could watch the inmate of the room.
That room had been hired by the fat man with the big voice who often talked, and oftener disputed with Mr. Pendleton.
It was easy to touch a button on the wall close beside her, and the bell-boy responded in a few seconds. The maid held up her finger, at the same time pointing toward the open door, and whispering:
"Sh—! Go quick and get Mr. Buffington. Tell him somebody is in his room. Don't make a sound here. I'll watch while you're gone. Rush now!"
Mr. Buffington, big and ponderous, soon appeared, puffing like an engine. The maid saw him as he appeared above the stairs, and quickly held up her finger, as a signal to him to make no noise.
Puzzled, yet impressed, the big man tip-toed along until he stood in the doorway.
The intruder stood, back toward the door, and for the moment, was so occupied with pulling over the contents of a large trunk that footsteps outside the door were unnoticed.
"You little rascal!"
These words shouted made the intruder actually jump.
"Ah, now, Miss Gwen, how happened ye in there?" said the maid.