The sudden appearance of Russell broke the spell which had rested upon all.
Talbot was the first to make a movement.
"Excuse me for a few moments," said she. "There are some wounded men inside who are in my care. I came out to get some water for them. I must make haste."
Saying these words, she left Harry, and went to a corner of the apartment where there was a jar of water. Filling a vessel from this, she returned to the wounded.
Harry did not follow her.
Upon seeing this movement of Talbot, Katie withdrew from Ashby. Ashby did not seem to notice this, for he was still watching Dolores.
Dolores now remarked to Brooke that she was just at that time engaged in looking after the defences of the castle, for there was serious danger of an immediate attack by the enemy.
At this Brooke said nothing, but merely bowed, and followed Talbot to help her with the wounded men.
Dolores, upon this, cast a glance at Ashby and went out. Ashby immediately followed her.
Upon this, Harry approached Katie. Neither said a word, but, acting on one common impulse, they went upstairs together into the upper hall. As they thus went up, Russell came out of the other room, and, seeing them ascending the stairs, he followed them.