With unbreathing care, Mrs.De Peyster set foot upon the first step of her journey's end.
And then, suddenly, the servants' bell burst into ringing.

And there was a terrific hammering against the servants' door and also against the door in the boarding.
"Matilda--what's that ?" breathed Mrs.De Peyster.
"M--maybe the police saw us come in," breathed Matilda.
They did not pause for discussion.

Discarding caution, they plunged frantically and noisily up the stairs; until from out of the overhead blackness descended a voice:-- "Stop! Or I'll shoot!" It was Jack's voice.
They stopped.
"Who are you ?" the voice demanded.
They clung to each other, wordless.
"Who are you ?" repeated Jack.
Their voices were still palsied.

They heard his feet begin determinedly to descend.

Mrs.De Peyster loosed her grip on Matilda's arm and vanished noiselessly downward.
"Speak up there," commanded Jack, "or I'll fire on the chance of getting you in the dark." "It's only me, Mr.Jack," trembled Matilda.
"What, Matilda!" cried Jack; and from above, like an echo transposed an octave higher, sounded another, "What, Matilda!" "Yes, Mr.Jack.Yes, ma'a--yes, Mary." "But where the devil have you been ?" exclaimed Jack, coming to her side.
Mary had also hurried down to her.