Halkett slowly turned his head and saw Sister Eila behind him. She had risen from her chair at the desk; now she came slowly forward, her deep, grey eyes fixed on him. But before she could take another step he laid his hand firmly on her wide, blue sleeve and forced her back into the room.
"Keep away from that door," he said quietly.
"Did somebody try to kill you?" she asked. Her voice was curious, but perfectly calm.
"I think so.... Don't show yourself near that door. They might not be able to distinguish their target at such a range."
"They? Who are 'they'?"
"Whoever fired.... I must ask you again to please keep out of range of that doorway——"
"The shot came from the river willows across the fields, did it not?" she interrupted.
"I'm very sure of it. You need not feel any anxiety for the children, Sister; I am going. There'll be no more shots."
"There is a door at the back by the kitchen yard, Mr. Halkett. They will not see you if you leave that way."
He stood thinking for a while; then: