"Well, what the—" Then his gaze alighted on the lady. "My God," he gulped, and instantly put all of his body except the head and one arm behind the door.
Barnes crowded past him with his faltering charge, and slammed the door. Moreover, he quickly shot the bolt.
"For the love of—" began the embarrassed Dillingford. "What the dev—I say, can't you see that I'm not dressed? What the—"
"Give me that lantern," said Barnes, and snatched the article out of the unresisting hand. "Show me the way to Miss Thackeray's room, Dillingford. No time for explanations. This lady is a friend of mine."
"Well, for the love of—"
"I will take you to Miss Thackeray's room," said Barnes, leading her swiftly through the narrow passage. "She will make you comfortable for the—that is until I am able to secure a room for you. Come on, Dillingford."
"My God, Barnes, have you been in an automobile smash-up? You—"
"Don't wake the house! Where is her room?"
"You know just as well as I do. All right,—all right! Don't bite me! I'm coming."
Miss Thackeray was awake. She had heard the pounding. Through the closed door she asked what on earth was the matter.