But now there came an interruption . From a distant corner of the Moat House shouts began to be heard , and first one voice , and then several , crying aloud upon a name . This noise had plainly disconcerted the murderer , for the trap-door was silently lowered to its place , and the steps hurriedly returned , passed once more close below the lads , and died away in the distance . Here was a moment 's respite . Dick breathed deep , and then , and not till then , he gave ear to the disturbance which had interrupted the attack , and which was now rather increasing than diminishing . All about the Moat House feet were running , doors were opening and slamming , and still the voice of Sir Daniel towered above all this bustle , shouting for `` Joanna . '' `` Joanna ! '' repeated Dick . `` Why , who the murrain should this be ? Here is no Joanna , nor ever hath been . What meaneth it ? '' Matcham was silent . He seemed to have drawn further away . But only a little faint starlight entered by the window , and at the far end of the apartment , where the pair were , the darkness was complete . `` Jack , '' said Dick , `` I wot not where ye were all day . Saw ye this Joanna ? '' `` Nay , '' returned Matcham , `` I saw her not . '' `` Nor heard tell of her ? '' he pursued . The steps drew nearer .
Sir Daniel was still roaring the name of XXXXX from the courtyard .
Daniel Jack Joanna Matcham Moat attack first meaneth murrain trap-door