"If somebody would tell me what to do," she began—but Warner quickly drew her into the office of the inn, which was really the inner café and bar.
"Stay here," he said. "Those men outside might open fire on us at any moment. Don't go near a window. Do you promise?"
The girl seated herself obediently and began to stroke the cat, her eyes serenely fixed on Warner.
Halkett had gone to the floor above to lurk by one of the windows giving on the garden. When Warner came up with a box of cartridge clips, the Englishman, filling his pockets, remarked quietly:
"They're over the wall already, and dodging about among the fruit trees—four of them. There were two others. Perhaps you had better keep an eye on the front door, if you really insist on being mixed up with this mess I'm in."
"Do you suppose those fellows will be silly enough to attack the house?" asked the American incredulously.
Halkett nodded:
"They are desperate, you see. I can understand why. They know that war is likely to be declared within the next few hours. If they don't get me now they won't stand much chance later. That's why I'm prepared for anything on their part."
Warner walked swiftly back toward the front, cutting the cords of the latticed window blinds in every room, so that they fell full length.
"No lights in the house!" he called down over the banisters; "and keep away from the windows, everybody! Philippa, do you hear me?"