They reached the courtyard round the Abbey without meeting anyone, and made their way to the back of the building. Here they found an unfastened door and entered the kitchens.
As soon as they were inside Hamilton became aware of the intense atmosphere of evil which lay like a blight upon the place. It was almost identical with that which he had felt in the crypt, but instead of fluctuating, coming and going in waves as it had done then, it now remained constant, fixed, like the menace of a loaded gun. Overcoming the deep horror which began welling up in his heart, Hamilton went on towards the corridor which led to the hall.
It was evident that Tregellis had noticed something too, for he wriggled his great shoulders and glanced round uneasily. Then he turned up his collar, spat again on his hands, and, gripping his iron club, followed Hamilton.
They marched boldly along the passage and emerged into the great hall. Over against the fireplace Tony stood facing Vaughan and Gaunt. None of them was speaking, but they appeared to be quite unaware of the intrusion, until Hamilton, drawing his pistol, announced his presence with the command:
“Keep perfectly still, all of you, please!”
Three pairs of astonished eyes turned towards him. There was an electric pause, then:
“Ah, the ubiquitous Mr. Hamilton,” said Gaunt. “Good morning to you. Put that ridiculous thing away. We won’t eat you.”
Hamilton frowned, but he did not lower the weapon.
“Stand back, please,” he said curtly; “I’ve come to fetch Tony, and nothing’s going to stop me.”
Gaunt laughed sharply.
“I shall not even attempt to dissuade you,” he countered. “Take him, with my blessing.”
Hamilton frowned still more. This was too easy! However:
“Come along, Tony,” he said. “Get a move on!”
Tony had been standing motionless, staring dumbly, but now he broke out with:
“No, no, John! You don’t understand. I can’t go now.”
“Can’t be damned! You’re coming, Tony, whether you like it or not. Do I have to drag you out by the scruff of your neck?”
“No, please, John, don’t make me go. You don’t know what you’re doing.”
“Don’t I?” Hamilton walked quickly across the intervening space, his heels ringing on the flagstones. The doctor and his companion fell back before the threat of the pistol and he stopped a pace in front of Tony.
How strange the boy looked, he thought. Were those tears in his eyes? His mouth was trembling like that of a child. In a gentler tone he spoke again.
“Don’t be a fool, Tony! You’re coming with me, so don’t argue. I’m taking you out of this infernal hole for good. Those two devils can stay and rot, for all I care.”
Tony hesitated, his brain working at lightning speed. If he stayed, there was just a chance… But he couldn’t hope to convince John now. Besides… No! He must stay. His face hardened and he folded his arms defiantly.
“Sorry, John,” he said firmly, “but I’m not coming.”
“Is that so?” The sunlight glinted on Hamilton’s pistol as he swung it up. Then, with a sharp crack, the hard steel descended on Tony’s unprotected head, and without a sound the young man crumpled up and fell at his feet.
“Sorry, old boy,” Hamilton murmured, and turned to the gaping Tregellis.
“Take him to the boat,” he ordered.
The other ambled across, reluctantly surrendered his bludgeon, picked up the limp figure as if it had been that of a child, and made off down the corridor.
Gaunt smiled sardonically.
“I must say you have a way with you, Mr. Hamilton,” he remarked. “You have saved me a lot of bother.”
Not troubling to reply, Hamilton followed his henchman. He was careful to avoid even looking at Gaunt, for he knew full well the power of those terrible eyes.
He did not permit himself to relax until the launch was out of the harbour, and then he put away his gun and examined his prisoner.
Tony lay quite still in the bottom of the boat, his face deadly pale and his eyes closed. There was a thin line of scarlet trickling from one nostril. Hamilton felt a vague alarm. Had he hit too hard? Hurriedly unbuttoning Tony’s shirt, he thrust his hand in and felt his heart. It was beating faintly, but steadily. With a sigh of relief he began bathing the bruised head with sea-water. He could feel a lump like an egg beneath the flaxen hair.
What a pity Tony had been so obstinate, he reflected. Gaunt hadn’t even tried to interfere. Why not? He remembered the rector’s theory that the two Satanists were not really very much concerned over Tony, but wanted Kestrel for themselves. If that were so, they had got it now, for what use it was.
Then it occurred to him that they were now marooned on the island, since he had interfered with Tregellis’ plan of returning the launch with a dinghy in tow to come back in. The launch was Tony’s property, and must remain at Pentock until he decided what to do. Hamilton gazed at the white, still face and sighed. What would he decide? Time alone could tell.
Tony was still unconscious when they arrived at Pentock, but since, the fishing-boats were out, they managed to get him to the rectory without attracting undue attention.
Valerie must have seen their approach from a window, for she was at the door as soon as they, crying:
“Why, John, whatever’s happened?”
“I’ll explain later. We must get him to bed at once.”
At this juncture the rector, hearing the commotion, emerged from his study. Taking in the situation at a glance, he led the way upstairs to his own room, and there they laid Tony on the bed. Tregellis was then dispatched post-haste for Dr. Pellew.
While he was gone Hamilton briefly explained what had happened. Valerie was bathing Tony’s head, and made no comment throughout the narrative, though she caught her breath sharply when Hamilton said he had been to Kestrel. The rector sat on the edge of the bed polishing his glasses. When the tale was told he put them on, saying:
“There is a saying about fools and angels, John, but perhaps that is a little harsh in this instance. It was very brave of you to venture there again for the sake of your friend, and I honour you for it. But you are lucky to be here to tell the tale, I think. There must be a special Providence which watches over — impetuous fellows like yourself.” He smiled, then his face became grave again. “I pray God you have not played into their hands by doing this. It is certainly very odd that they offered no resistance. If Tony were their master card I feel they would not have let him go so easily. Ah, well, he shall be our chief consideration now, poor lad. It we can heal his wounded soul as easily as that bump on his head I shall be very happy.”
When the doctor arrived he examined Tony briefly and announced that there was no cause for alarm.
“He’s had a nasty crack, though, and there is a slight concussion. Rest, quiet, and cold-water bandages, Miss Bennett. It will probably be some hours before he comes round. I’ll call again later.”
He asked no questions as to how Tony had come by his injury, but, since the rector had told him something of the happenings upon Kestrel, he probably had his suspicions.
All that night Valerie, Hamilton, and the rector took turns to watch by the sick-bed; but when day broke the patient was still unconscious.
At three o’clock in the afternoon Valerie, who had been asleep all morning, noticed a change in Tony’s appearance. He was breathing faster, and a little colour was creeping into his cheeks. The doctor, who had been in twice during the day, still maintained there was no need to worry; but she had to confess that she was growing a little anxious. Now she bent forward and watched the young man’s face eagerly.