So saying, the chief, with intent to begin his search at the top of the house in the hope of seeing Mercy, darted up the stair. She heard him coming, went a few steps higher, and waited. On the landing he saw her, white, with flashing eyes. Their hands clasped each other—for a moment only, but the moment was of eternity, not of time.
"You will find Hector in the tool-house," she said aloud.
"You shameless hussey!" cried her father, following the chief in a fury.
Mercy ran up the stair. The chief turned and faced Mr. Palmer.
"You have no business in my house!"
"I have the right of a magistrate."
"You have no right. Leave it at once."
"Allow me to pass."
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself—making a girl turn traitor to her own father!"
"You ought to be proud of a daughter with the conscience and courage to turn against you!"