— XLIV —WITHIN
It was the sound of that hammering which Mr. Chaffinch heard in that upstairs room – which shortly penetrated to the consciousness of his companions. Each man seemed to hold his breath to listen. The fashion of their faces changed. Rage and lust of cruelty, fading for a moment into the background, gave place to something which was almost fear. With odd unanimity, all eyes turned towards the door. Mr. Waterson voiced the common doubt:
“What’s up now?”
The woman who had lured Netta answered:
“I’ll go and see.”
“Do! Someone catch hold of that girl while you’re gone – she’s marked dangerous.”
The woman hurried out. There was no necessity for anyone to take her place in guarding Netta, who was already held by three or four. The noise below seemed growing louder. The threat
