The place was black under the moon, but at one gable end an attic window showed the red glow of fire. The casement frames were clearly outlined; from the open lattice came little swirls of smoke, and for a moment a black shape showed within like a man tossing his arms in despair.
Jeremy's heart leapt in him.
"Good God!"
He ran round rousing his men, calling in particular for John Jenner the Rookhurst blacksmith. They began their rush toward the house just after Stott's pistol shot barked out a grim warning. Stott, Jeremy, and their men met in the front garden, holding back for the moment as though not knowing whether they were facing enemies or friends.
"Stott?"
"It is Stott, sir. They have broken through, curse 'em."
"And the house is on fire. The devil has left Jasper to burn in his attic——"
"By George! And they have got the girl."
"We'll catch and butcher the lot of them. Jenner, Jack Jenner, have you got your tools?"
"Sure, Mr. Winter, sure."