Rob gave a smile, and going up to the door, laid himself against it, as close as he could stand, with his face upon it, and so stood silent.
Mr. Palmer coming up with his attendants, all stood for a few moments in silence, wondering at Rob: he must be holding communication with his father—but how?
Sounds began inside—first a tumbling of tools about, then an attack on the lock.
"Come! come! this won't do!" said Mr. Palmer, approaching the door.
"Prevent it then," said the chief. "Do what you will you cannot make him hear you, and while the door is between you, he cannot see you! If you do not open it, he will!"
"Run," said Mr. Palmer to the butler; "you will find the key on my table! I don't want the lock ruined!"
But there was no stopping the thing! Before the butler came back, the lock fell, the door opened, and out came Hector, wiping his brow with his sleeve, and looking as if he enjoyed the fun.
The keepers darted forward.
"Stand off!" said the chief stepping between. "I don't want to hurt you, but if you attempt to lay hands on him, I will."
One of the men dodged round, and laid hold of Hector from behind; the other made a move towards him in front. Hector stood motionless for an instant, watching his chief, but when he saw him knock down the man before him, he had his own assailant by the throat in an instant, gave him a shake, and threw him beside his companion.