The little tableau remained stationary just long enough for Christine to observe all details; then everyone acted at once. Roddy flew round the table and reached her at the window, sobbing:
Saxby laid his knobkerrie on the table and lit a cigarette, and Mrs. van Cannan, rising from her seat with an air of dignity outraged beyond all bounds, addressed Christine.
"What is the meaning of this intrusion, Miss Chaine? How dare you come bursting into Mr. Saxby's house like this?"
"I heard Roddy call out," was the firm answer, "and I consider it my duty to protect him." She had the boy well within her reach now, and could easily have lifted him out of the low window, but it seemed an undignified thing to do unless it became absolutely necessary.
"Protect him! From what, may I ask?" The woman's voice was like a knife.
"I don't know from what. I only know that he was in grave fear of something you were about to do."
"You surely cannot suppose Roddy was in any danger from his mother, Miss Chaine--or that I would harm him?"
He certainly did not look very harmful with his full, handsome features and melancholy smile.
"Your action is both ridiculous and impertinent," continued Mrs. van Cannan furiously. "And I can tell you that I will not stand that sort of thing from any one in my house," she added, with the air of one dismissing a servant: "You may go. Roddy, come here!"
"Don't leave me, Miss Chaine. They've got a snake in that box, and they want me to let it out."
There was blank silence for a moment; then Christine spoke with deliberation.
"If this is true, it is the most infamous thing I have ever heard."
Even Isabel van Cannan was silenced, and Saxby's deprecating smile passed. He said gravely:
"Mrs. van Cannan has a right to use what methods she thinks best to cure her boy of cowardice."
"Cowardice!" Christine answered him scornfully. "The word would be better applied to those who deliberately terrify a child. I am astonished at a man taking part in such a vile business."
She was pale with indignation and pity for the boy who trembled in her arms, and in no mood to choose her words.
Saxby shrugged his shoulders with a sort of helpless gesture toward his companion as if to say he had only done as he was told. Mrs. van Cannan gave him a furious glance before returning to Christine.