By the sound, which he could locate, Valentine felt certain that the dog had gone over to the door.
"What on earth is he barking at ?" Julian said in the darkness.
"I can't imagine.

Hush, Rip! S-sh!" "Val, turn on the light, quick! You're nearest to it." Valentine stretched out his hand hastily, and in a flash the room sprang into view.

He was right.

Rip was crouched--his front legs extended along the floor, his hind legs standing almost straight--close to the door, and facing it full.

His head was down, and moving, darting this way and that, as if he were worrying the feet of some person who was trying to advance from the door into the centre of the room.