"It seems such a waste of time," grumbled Pat. "It is Janet we want to find."
"And I tell you it is through Norah we'll find her," answered Bridget, stamping her foot at him. "Come along, boys, both of you, and Bruin, you come, too. We have a night's work before us, and we haven't a minute to lose."
"It is the night when the moon is at the full," said Gerry, "and—and the Witch may come to us, and—I couldn't bear to look at her."
"Well, go to bed, you little coward!" said Pat, flashing round at him, and aiming a cuff at his head.
Gerry darted behind Bridget for protection.
"Come, boys, don't quarrel," she said. "Gerry, you know you are not a real coward. Come along this minute and help us."
She was unbarring the bolts which secured the great front door as she spoke. The next moment the three young folks were standing on the terrace.
"The dogs will raise an alarm," said Bridget; "that's the worst of them. If so, my father will get up, and everything will be known. Stay, though, I'll send Bruin round to speak to them. Come here, darling, I want you."
The great dog came up to her.
She knelt on the gravel, with the moon shining all over her, and looked into his eyes.