Alarmed by the presence of those others, suspecting that the woman within would insist on learning whom Hamlin was attempting to conceal, possibly overhearing enough of their conversation to become frightened at the final outcome, Miss McDonald, in sudden desperation, had surmounted the rail, and dropped to the ground.

The rest would be easy--to hasten around the side of the house, and slip in through the front door.
Assured that this must be the full explanation, the Sergeant's cheerfulness returned.

The company of officers and guests had already filed out through the hall; he could hear voices laughing and talking in the street, and the band tuning up their instruments across in the dance hall.

He would go over and make certain of her presence, then his mind would be at ease.

He passed out through the deserted hallway, and glanced in at the dining-room, where a number of men were gathering up the dishes.