But I was needed above to direct the defence.

It seemed to me I thought of a thousand things in an instant,--of my desire to clear up the mystery, of my orders to hold the house, of Willifred Hardy's danger,--and I had but the one instant in which to decide.

The next I made my choice, at least until I could discover the exact situation for myself.
"Come," I said soberly.
I closed the door, and faced the trooper.
"You remain here with the lady.

Don't leave her for a moment except as I order.

Keep your revolver drawn, and your eyes on that door.