"You poor foolish—babies!" he said. "But let the man in. He's frozen, if I am not."
Tavia had her arms around the major's neck—he was patting both girls affectionately.
"There! there!" he soothed. "Now you are all right. Dad's here, and we will be all right presently. Norah sent out the relief stuff—you be starved and perished."
"He won't come in," called Nat, referring to the man outside, "Says he's afraid."
"Oh, the foolish fellow," replied the major. "I had the greatest time to get him here, once he found out I was coming to the castle. He vowed he saw lights, and heard screams. He's the fellow who drove the woman out here—Abe, you know."
"Oh, yes," said Nat. "That's it. Well, if he won't come in he'll freeze."
"Perhaps if he sees girls—— I'll go and ask him," volunteered Dorothy, now somewhat composed.
Although they had passed from the rear hall to the front, Tom kept his eye on the end of the long passageway. He had seen a light flash back there—he could have sworn to it.
"Here he is!" called Dorothy. "I knew old Abe would come in when I asked him. Right over here, Abe. See, we have plenty of light——"
As if by magic, or some uncanny power, no sooner had she uttered the word "light" than a brilliant flash was plainly seen at the rear of the hall.