At the same time the front door flew wide.
Silhouetted against the bright moonlight, Brice had a momentary glimpse of Hade, darting out through the doorway, and of a tawny-and-white canine whirlwind flying at the man's throat.
But Brice's shout of command had been a fraction of a second too late.

Swiftly as had the collie obeyed, Rodney Hade had already reached and silently unbarred the door, by the time the dog got under way.

And, as Bobby Burns sprang, the door slammed shut in his face, leaving the collie growling and tearing at the unyielding panels.
Then it was that Claire found the electric switch, with her groping hands, and pressed the button.

The hall and its adjoining rooms were flooded with light, revealing the redoubtable Bobby Burns hurling himself again and again at the closed door.
Gavin shoved the angry dog aside, and opened the portal.

He sprang out, the dog beside him.