The knock was repeated more loudly.

But he still gave no answer, sitting very still, and listening with all his might.

He heard no more the sound of voices.

Nobody spoke or called his name.
But after a very brief pause the knock was repeated a third time, and with that fierce energy which bespoke some strong emotion; and suddenly it came over Dalaber that perhaps it was some one who was in trouble, or was in need of him or his help.

Were not the brethren likely to be brought into sudden peril or distress?
Might it not even be a friend come to warn him of approaching danger?
At least it seemed to him that he must open the door and inquire; and so rapid was the passage of these thoughts that the reverberation of the third summons had scarcely died away before he had turned the key and flung open the door.
Then he started back in startled amazement.
"Master Garret!" he gasped.
"Shelter me, friend Anthony," gasped Garret, whose face was white as paper, "for I am a man undone.