"And yet you were burglars—she was justified in shooting."
"No doubt of that," Godfrey agreed. "We took the chance, and are not complaining."
"You had no business in the cellar. You have no business here. You're intruders. I don't wish you here. I insist that you leave."
"In a moment," said Godfrey.
"At once!" she cried, flushing darkly again. "Or I'll compel you to," and she made a motion toward the pillow of the bed.
"Oh, no, you won't, Miss Kingdon," protested Godfrey easily. "We won't consent to be shot at any more to-night. We have some business here, and we're going to stay till it's completed. Since you didn't hear the shot, will you kindly tell us what it was awakened you? Please believe that we shall be glad to be of service to you. I fear you're going to stand in need of us before long."
She hesitated, still looking at him; but there was no resisting the stern kindness of his eyes, nor doubting that his warning was in earnest.
"I came home about half an hour ago," she began, "or perhaps it's longer than that——"
"Was your sister expecting you?"
"No; I had intended to stay with Mrs. Lawrence all night. But I found I wasn't needed, and so came home."