“What a child—what a weak lunatic they must think me!” muttered North; but he did not move, and, as he fully expected, the last speaker, as he supposed, went round to the window and tapped softly.
The fresh comer might have been twin brother of the first, so similar was his expression, so exactly a repetition were his acts.
They were of as much avail, and he returned to the hall, when a few words were exchanged in a low tone of voice, followed by a sharp tapping at the dining-room door.
This was opened, and Mrs Milt’s voice rose loudly:
“Stop me if you dare, any of you! and I’ll have the law of you.”
This was followed by a sharp, rustling noise, and the dull thud made by the banging of the baize door.
Then there was the sound of the gravel as some one walked over it hurriedly, and the clicking of the swing-gate before it caught.
“Give the word, sir, and it’s done,” said a deep voice.
“Quick, then!” said Cousin Thompson sharply. “Quick, before that cursed woman returns with help.”