The man’s next act was to take his lantern from his belt, and pass it through, directing the light in all directions, as he peered through the glass above, and then he withdrew the light with a low “Ha!”
“What can you see?”
“Hold hard, please, Miss, and keep back. This isn’t ladies’ work. I want some help here.”
“Then something has happened?”
“Well, Miss, seeing what I did see to-night, it may be nothing worse than a drop too much, but it looks ugly.”
“Who is it? My father?”
“Can’t say, Miss. Elderly gent with bald head.”
“Oh, what you say is possible! Quick! burst open the door!”
The constable placed his shoulder to the door, but drew back with an angry gesture.
“Of course!” he muttered, and thrusting his arm through, he reached the lock, turned the key, and the door swung open with a dismal creak.