"Open the door or I'll smash it in!"
She heard the key squeak in the lock. Pendleton's remonstrances were drowned in the sounds made by the entrance of a number of men. Pendleton's voice was raised in agonized tones. Delehanty said:
"We're going to search the house!"
Pen had the sense that her little father was trying to bar them out by main strength. Signing to Don to remain where he was, she hastened to the head of the stairs. She called down:
"Let them in, father. We have nothing to hide."
Returning to her room she locked the door. Her father came up stairs accompanied by a pair of shod feet. His voice at Pen's door was utterly bewildered.
"They insist on searching the house ... searching the house! At this hour!"
"Well, that's all right," said Pen.
"They say if you'll stay quietly in your room they'll leave that until last. There's a man out here on guard. Better dress, dear."
"I shall be all right," said Pen.