It seemed to Chester that it was only a matter of moments before they would be seen; but so far the party were unconscious of their presence, and a couple of dull red spots of light waxed and waned as the aromatic fumes of cigar smoke began to pervade the room. "Throw open one of the shutters, uncle," cried James Clareborough, hoarsely. "No, no," half shouted a voice which Chester recognised at once as that of his old patient. "What! Why?" cried James Clareborough, and the violent throbbing of Chester's heart grew less painful as he heard Robert Clareborough's reply-- "Because if ever men wanted the darkness it is now." It was a respite, for no one uttered a word for a few moments. Then in a low, angry voice, James Clareborough spoke again, and, with his every nerve on the strain, Chester noted that he took his glowing cigar from his lips and held it down between his knees. "Curse them! Who would ever have thought of the fools attempting that?" "Where's your wife, uncle?" said a voice which made the hand with which Marion clung to Chester's wrist give a slight twitch. "Upstairs, lying down, my boy," said another voice, and it was Chester's turn to start as he recognised it as one he had heard before, though he could not make out where. "Is she much hurt?" said Robert Clareborough. "More frightened than hurt," said the same voice. "Of course it is a terrible shock." "Horrible! Here, this must be the end of it. What do you say, Paddy?" "Confound it! yes. I'm sick." "Will you stop this cursed preaching, Rob?" snarled James Clareborough. "You fools! You know there can be no end to it. What are you talking about? It was their own fault." "Ah!" ejaculated Rob in a tone which made his sister shiver. "Look here," continued James Clareborough; "are you two going to show the white feather? Take the case fairly, Paddy. Suppose this had been at The Towers in the night, and we came upon a couple of scoundrels-- with revolvers, mind!--carrying off the girls' jewellery, would either of you have hesitated about firing?" "I suppose not," said Dennis, heavily, "but it seemed such cold-blooded work." "Been more cold-blooded if they had dropped us two. Now, then, no nonsense; let's look the matter straight in the face. One thing is enough at a time. We can discuss Rob's ideas of a dissolution of partnership later on," was added, with a sneer. "Now, uncle; what about their coming? We had better have the old lady down." "No, let her be; she can tell you no more than I can. They must have asked for leave to come up as you were all away, and come straight here ready to pitch some tale, and your aunt unsuspectingly let them in. They must have set upon her, tied her fast, and carried her down." "Must, must, must!" cried James Clareborough, impatiently. "You were not here." "No, boy, but it tells its own tale. Arthur was dressed as if for a holiday, and the other fool too."