Levelling his pistol, he emptied a couple of shots into the keyhole, the powerful bullets smashing and splintering the woodwork in every direction. As the second report died away they heard a scurry of footsteps outside, followed almost immediately by the unmistakable bang of another door.
Pocketing his pistol, the Inspector gripped hold of the knob with both hands, and, as he jerked it violently toward him, the shattered bolt snapped and yielded. One more pull, and they stumbled over the threshold into a dimly lighted hall, where, framed in a doorway opposite, stood, or rather swayed, the slender figure of a girl.
A low cry escaped Colin's lips, and, breaking from his companions, he sprang forward and caught her in his arms.
"Nancy! Nancy darling! Thank God, we've found you!"
As he uttered the words the sound of two pistol shots rang out from the back of the house, and with a stifled oath the Inspector hurried toward them.
"Which is the way through into the yard?" he demanded.
Nancy pointed across toward a door on the right.
"There!" she gasped. "But it's locked. I heard them lock it and bolt it. You can only get round by the garden."
"Come with me, Bates," snapped the Inspector. "You stop here, doctor, and take care of the girl."
He ran toward the sitting room, followed by Joe, while Nancy, who had momentarily straightened herself as she answered his question, sank weakly back again against Colin's shoulder.