Through the open window drifted a suffocating smoke
of burning wood and thatch, and the crackling and splitting of the old
roof sounded noisily above their voices; but Miss Anne commanded
herself, and spoke calmly to Stephen.
'We must open the door to them now,' she said; 'God will protect us from
these wicked men. Uncle! uncle! the house is really on fire, and we want
the keys. Let me in.'
She knocked loudly at his door, and lifted up her voice to make him
hear, and Stephen shouted; but there was no answer. Without the keys of
the massive locks it would not be possible to open the doors, and he had
them in his own keeping; but he gave no heed to their calls, nor the
vehement screams of the frightened servant. Perhaps he had fallen into a
fit; and they had no means of entering his chamber, so securely had he
fastened himself in with his gold. Stephen and Miss Anne gazed at one
another in the dazzling and ominous light, but no words crossed their
trembling lips. Oh, the horror of their position! And already other
voices were mingled with those of the assailants; and every one was
shouting from without, praying them to open the door, and be saved from
their tremendous peril.
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