"She won't let us in, I tell you! She won't let us in! She may be dead!"
At this, Donaldson forced Arsdale back. He put his mouth close to the insensate wood and called her name.
"Elaine."
There was no answer.
He knocked lightly and called again. Again the silence, the boy stumbling up against him with an inarticulate cry. The nurse joined them, and the three stood there in shivering terror. Donaldson felt panic clutching at his own heart. Before throwing his weight against the door, he tried once more.
"Elaine," he cried, "it is I—Donaldson."
There was the sound of movement within, and then came the stricken plea,
"Go away. Please go away."
Arsdale answered,
"Let me in, Elaine. Nothing shall hurt you. I'll—"