“I hardly know myself. I sat, as you saw, with my back to the top landing. Suddenly I heard a rush. I was aware of something dark right on the top of me. I half-turned and fired. The next instant I was chucked down as if I had been a baby. All that plaster came showering down after me. That’s as much as I can tell you.”
“Why should we go further in the matter?” said Malone. “You are convinced that this is more than human, are you not?”
“There is no doubt of that.”
“Well, then you have had your experience. What more can you want?”
“Well, I, at least, want something more,” said Mr. Mason. “I think our help is needed.”
“Strikes me that we shall need the help,” said Lord Roxton, rubbing his knee. “We shall want a doctor before we get through. But I’m with you, padre. I feel that we must see it through. If you don’t like it, young fellah——”
The mere suggestion was too much for Malone’s Irish blood.
“I am going up alone!” he cried, making for the door.
“No, indeed. I am with you.” The clergyman hurried after him.
“And you don’t go without me!” cried Lord Roxton, limping in the rear.