There were always a few lights left on in the passages at night so the place was not completely in darkness.
As she crossed the hall, there was one light near the front door.
She opened the door into the drawing room.
Then when she had taken a few steps into the room she stood transfixed.
Standing by the fireplace were two strange men who were lifting down the picture from above it.
Teresa made a little sound of horror and they turned to look at her.
It was then she realised that the lower parts of their faces were covered with a pulled-up handkerchief.
All she could see were their eyes.
“What are – you doing – here, you – have no – right – ” she began.
Then someone behind her pulled a gag over her mouth and she realised that there was another man in the room.
He tied the gag tig
