A neat-looking maid-servant stood at the bottom of the stairway, looking frightened and indignant. It was none other than Mary Brown.
"Woman," said Mr. Shelton, imperiously, "lead the way to Miss Lawrence's room immediately!"
"It's against orders, sir," said Mary, sullenly.
"No matter, do as I bid you!" thundered the impatient detective.
"Miss Lawrence has company, sir, and the orders are not to admit any one."
"Push her aside, men; we will hunt for Miss Lawrence ourselves," said the detective sternly.
Strong hands forced Mary aside from her position on the stairway. Several domestics, attracted by the noise, had hastened up from the regions of the basement and stood staring stupidly, but did not offer any resistance to the officers' power. The men began to mount the stairs rapidly, and Mary Brown rushed frantically after them.
"Oh! for the Lord's sake, gentlemen," she panted, "don't burst in the doors up-stairs, and let the poor crazy people out upon us. They will murder us all."
"Will you do as we told you, then?" asked the detective, sharply.
"Oh! yes, yes," whimpered Mary, running along in front of them. "This way, gentlemen."