Robin Clifford, hearing the dog's persistent barking, had hastily donned coat and trousers and now appeared on the scene.
"Hero, Hero!" he called—"Quiet, Hero!"
But Hero had bounded to his master Jocelyn's door and was pounding against it with all the force of his big muscular body, apparently seeking to push or break it open. Robin laid one hand on the animal's collar and pulled him back—then tried the door himself—it was locked.
"Uncle Hugo!"
There was no answer.
He turned to one of the frightened servants who were standing near. His face was very pale.
"Fetch me a hammer," he said—"Something—anything that will force the lock. Innocent!"—and with deep tenderness he took her little cold hands in his own—"I wish you would go away!"
"Why?" and she looked at him with eyes full of terror. "Oh no, no! Let me be with you—let me call him!"—and she knelt outside the closed door—"Dad! Dear Dad! I want to speak to you! Mayn't I come in? I'm so frightened—do let me come in. Dad!"
But the silence remained unbroken.
"Priscilla!"—and Robin beckoned to her—"keep Innocent beside you—I'm afraid—"