I wonder if we're snowed up yet. We'll have some fun
to-morrow, if we are. I say, look at the time! Good-night! Good-night!"
He advanced towards her. She was standing facing him, with her back to
the fire. But something--something in her eyes--arrested him, sending his
own glancing backwards over his shoulder. She was looking, not at him,
but beyond him.
The next instant, with a sharp oath, Jerry had wheeled in his tracks. He,
too, stood facing the door, staring wide-eyed, dumbfounded.
There, at the head of the stairs, quite motionless, quite silent, facing
them both, stood Piet Cradock.
CHAPTER XI
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. In his right hand he
was gripping her father's heaviest hunting-crop.
He came slowly forward, ignoring her. His eyes were upon Jerry, who
glared back at him like a young panther. He did not appear to be aware
of Nan.
Suddenly he spoke, briefly, grimly every word clean as a pistol-shot.
"I suppose you are old enough to know what you are doing?"
"What do you mean?" demanded Jerry, in fierce response.
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