"You will not be saying much to a deaf man through inch boards!" remarked the clansman from the garden.
Mr. Palmer hurried after them, and his men followed.
Alister found the door fast and solid, without handle. He turned a look on his companion, and was about to run his weight against the lock.
"It is too strong," said Rob. "Hector of the Stags must open it!"
"But how? You cannot even let him know what you want!"
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!"