Colonel Hardinge arrived at a decision:
'I think I will have another try. We can't have these people here all day, so if he won't have anything to do with them, the sooner they are cleared out of this, the better. What I have to do is to find out how it's going to be.'
He knocked again. This time the door was opened by Mr. Kinloch, who at once broke into voluble speech.
'It was you who came just now; what do you mean by coming again? What's the meaning of these outrageous proceedings? Can't I have a guest in my house without being subjected to this abominable nuisance?'
'I grant the nuisance, but would point out to you, sir, that we are the victims of it as well as you. If you will permit me to see your guest I will explain to him the position in a very few words. On his answer will depend our action.'
'My guest desires to be private; I must insist upon his privacy being respected. My daughter has been speaking to him. She tells me that he says that he has nothing to do with these people, and that they have nothing to do with him.'
'If that is the case, and that is really what he says, and I am to take it for an answer, then the matter is at an end.'
Ada's voice was heard at the back.
'Father, the Lord is coming.'
The Stranger came to the door. In a moment the Colonel's hat was in his hand.