The darkness increased. The old oak-panelled room was only lit by the dancing flames from the log fire. There was silence in the house, and outside on the moorlands there was silence, too. Presently it was broken by the shouts of men and the baying of dogs. But the lovers did not hear. They only heard the beating of each other’s hearts and the voice of Love calling them to walk fearlessly along the path they had chosen. And the voice of Fate calling them to face the unknown future together. Twice a servant knocked at the door before Jim heard, and starting up told him to enter. "Well, what is it?" he asked, striking a match to light the candles, fearful lest his father had returned earlier than he expected. The servant explained that an official from Princetown Prison wished to see him. "I understand, sir," the man said in an excited voice, "that a couple of convicts escaped this afternoon in the fog. They traced one in this direction. He was wounded by a shot the warder fired. They want permission to search the grounds and out-buildings." Jim hesitated for a moment. "Of course they can search," he replied. "You know where the keys of the garage, the stables, and the out-buildings are, Perkins. You had better accompany them; and be sure to lock up carefully." "Very good, sir!" The servant was about to retire when the burly form of a uniformed warder blocked the doorway. He saluted. "I understand Sir Reginald is away; can I speak to you a moment, sir?" Jim glanced over his shoulder at Marjorie. She was hidden from sight, seated in a large armchair. "Certainly," he replied. He crossed the room and stepped into the hall, closing the drawing-room door behind him. As he did so a noise from the conservatory on the left of the fireplace startled Marjorie. The sound of a sudden crash. She listened a moment, then rose to her feet. Very quietly stepping towards the door which led into the hot-house, she pulled back the curtain and peered through the glass panel. CHAPTER XIX. "YOU MUST GO BACK!" Marjorie could see nothing. It was quite dark outside now. She listened, straining her ears, but not another sound could be heard. Whatever had fallen or been knocked down had made a great noise. Obviously, some one was in the conservatory.