.... It was only by supreme exertion that
she kept herself from swooning. There were twenty riders at least, all
tainted with the smell of smoke.
"Where is she?" bellowed Lord Purceville, pushing her aside with such
force that she really did stagger. Then to her bewilderment his son,
who had followed him in, caught her up, and in the moment it took to
steady her, whispered in her ear:
"Tell him nothing. I'll do what I can to protect you." The older man
whirled angrily.
"I tell you I want
her. Ballard! Tear the place apart. Stubb! Take the rest of the men
and search the surrounding countryside. Meet me back at the barracks
with your report; and if you value your hide, don't come back empty!"
With this all but two of the men---the one called Ballard, and another
he detained by seizing his collar and shoving him forward---rode off.
These entered quickly, and began going through the rooms, opening
drawers and overturning furniture.
Of the two only Ballard, a large, swarthy man whose hands and face
were darkened with soot, seemed to enjoy the work.
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