Nan was the first to free herself from the nightmare paralysis that bound her.

Swiftly, as though in answer to a sudden inner urging, she moved forward.

She almost pushed past Jerry in her haste.

She was white, white to the lips with fear, but she never faltered till she stood between her husband and the boy she had chosen to protect her.

The first glimpse of Piet had revealed to her in what mood he had come.