She stopped suddenly.
Something unusual in the appearance of the bed attire attracted her attention and she speedily rushed towards it.
She gave vent at once to a loud yell, and Roland himself, who was passing near, ran in immediately.
He stood like one in a state of catalepsy, with his eyes fixed on the empty bed. But he recovered shortly.
"Oh, this is a fearful day!" he cried, and hastened out to acquaint Jake and Bill, both of whom, as well as Mr. Peter, slept in the east wing of the mansion.
He ran from door to door knocking very loud and shouting: "Awake, awake, Peggy has gone! She has been kidnapped, and the accursed savages have had their revenge!"
In their pyjamas only, Jake and Bill appeared, and after a while Mr. Peter, fully dressed.
He looked sleepy.
"I had too much wine last night," he said, with a yawn, "and slept very heavily all night. But what is the matter?"
He was quietly and quickly informed.