CHAPTER XXXIV.
HER STORY She remained exactly as I had left her, leaning against the wall in the slight recess left by the stairs, and she recognized the sergeant with an inclination of the head, although her eyes were upon me.
"Your friends outside seem inclined to allow us a few moments in which to investigate this matter," I said.

"But we shall need to hurry.

This is Miles, and I want you to tell the entire story from the beginning." My tone was incisive, and she responded as though to an order.
"I will be brief," she began.

"My father and I were at the head of the stairs when your reinforcements came.

We were merely waiting there to make sure you had left the house.