Michael stopped in consternation. Overhead, from all parts of the house, came the mechanical announcement that burglars had broken in. The four rose simultaneously from the table.
“Burglars!” cried Michael, looking from one to the other.
“Good Heavens!” Nora gasped.
“What shall we do?” cried Alice.
“It’s gone off by accident,” Monty asserted quivering, as there came suddenly the sound of a shot.
“Somebody’s killed!” Alice exclaimed, with an air of certainty.
Michael was the first to recover his poise. “Monty,” he commanded sternly, “go and find what’s the matter. I’ll look after the girls.”
Alice looked at him entreatingly. “You’d better go,” she said; “I shall feel safer if you see what it is. You’re not afraid, Michael?”
“Certainly not,” he said with dignity. “Of course they’re armed. Hello, who’s here?”
It was Lambart entering, bearing in his hand a .45 revolver.