Noiselessly and rapidly I sped on through the rooms, round the balcony, to the back of the hotel, and down the flight of steps there, which brought me to the door of the suite of apartments occupied by Rathfelder and his household. But now how could I waken them without making too much noise, and thereby perhaps bringing that awful Blurdon down upon me? I began to rap and call gently, and used every means I could think of to arouse the sleepers, but in vain. Nothing I could do seemed to make the least impression on their heavy German ears. I became almost wild with fear how the ruffian might treat my aunt in revenge when he found I was gone, for, with his strength, he would soon force an entrance into my room. In utter desperation I knocked louder and louder against the door and windows, yet with a want of success that perfectly amazed me. For a long time I continued my endeavours, and was on the point of giving it up and trying to find my way in the dark round to the front of the house, and so on to some one of the native cottages, when, to my unutterable joy, one of the servants answered from within to my last vehement appeal, asking who was there.
Never before had human voice sounded so delightful to my ear! And now the whole family were soon astir, and Rathfelder in a few minutes came out. It needed but little to be said on my part; the very name of Blurdon, as connected with my terror, was sufficient; and calling his two men from the loft over a stable where they were sleeping and accompanied by Mrs. Rathfelder and one of her maidens, who kindly came with me, we all ascended to aunt's room.
I could not speak my dread, it was too overpowering; but oh, when I found that she was uninjured, words cannot express the feeling of thankfulness—of positive ecstasy—that filled my heart. She was hastily putting on some clothes to come and seek for me. Flying into her arms, I kissed and hugged and cried over her.
"Where is he? where is he?" Rathfelder had cried out the instant he saw her.
She pointed to the ante-room. "Gone a few minutes back." Whereupon the three men dashed after him.
That terrible night I shall never forget. Even while I write the whole scene comes back as vividly as if it occurred but yesterday, but with it a deep thankfulness that we were mercifully spared from further horror. I did not know then what changes it was to work.
CHAPTER XV.
It was a pleasant relief to our excitement when uncle and Charlotte came back the following evening, and Susan with them. They were surprised to hear of our adventure, and deeply thankful that we had escaped without further injury. Blurdon had not been found, though search had been made in every direction round the house, and information given to the authorities in Cape Town, but my aunt remarked that a heavy storm of wind had arisen, which must have rendered the pursuit difficult. We were all glad to turn from this painful subject to more ordinary themes of conversation.