Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/124

108 "Here's something worth looking into," exclaimed one of the men.

He had perceived the button on the panel, and at once turned it and opened the door. With a shout his companions turned and joined him, while one of them entered the press.

Hannah's heart was beating furiously, and it required all her strength of will to keep back the tears that threatened to pour from her eyes. Robert was certain to be found now, she was convinced, and all her attempts to hide him had been vain. She watched the men, expecting every moment to hear the shout, or the sound of a struggle that would announce the end of the search. Her mother was speaking in the room below, but her voice sounded faint and far away. The sunbeams that danced in the air where a shaft of light came in through a small hole in the roof almost seemed to be mocking her. As the men stood peering into the closet she was tempted to rush upon them and push them inside and close and button the door upon them, but she was aware how foolish such a move would be and wisely restrained the impulse.

"Here's something for you, Claud," called one of the men, as he tossed out a gown which