They won out of it, and white-faced, physically sick, Mr.Blood dragged her almost at a run up the hill towards Colonel Bishop's house.

He told her briefly who and what he was, and thereafter there was no conversation between them until they reached the big white house.

It was all in darkness, which at least was reassuring.

If the Spaniards had reached it, there would be lights.

He knocked, but had to knock again and yet again before he was answered.