The door closed instantly behind it.

The sound of a heavy body struggling against the partition outside followed, and then suddenly ceased.
The intruder turned, and violently grasped the handle of the door, but recoiled at a quiet voice from the bed.
"Drop that, and come here." He started back with an exclamation.

The sleeper's eyes were wide open; the sleeper's extended arm and pistol covered him.
"Silence! or I'll let that candle shine through you!" "Yes, captain!" growled the astounded and frightened half-breed.

"I didn't know you were here." Lee raised himself, and grasped the long whip in his left hand and whirled it round his head.
"WILL YOU dry up ?" The man sank back against the wall in silent terror.
"Open that door now--softly." Manuel obeyed with trembling fingers.
"Ned" said Lee in a low voice, "bring him in here--quick." There was a slight rustle, and Falkner appeared, backing in another gasping figure, whose eyes were starting under the strong grasp of the captor at his throat.
"Silence," said Lee, "all of you." There was a breathless pause.

The sound of a door hesitatingly opened in the passage broke the stillness, followed by the gentle voice of Mrs.
Scott.
"Is anything the matter ?" Lee made a slight gesture of warning to Falkner, of menace to the others.