And after that quiet there came suddenly a cry that ended in the exultant chattering of a name.
At the sound of that name Nathaniel sprang forward again.

It was Marion's name and he strained his ears to catch the words that might follow it.

As he listened, his head thrust half in at the door, Obadiah's voice became lower and lower, until at last it ceased entirely.

Not a step, not a deep breath, not the movement of a hand disturbed the stillness of the little room.

By inches Nathaniel drew himself inside the door.