He ran his hand along until he caught the latch.

Softly he tried it; it gave, and the door opened.

Kenneth was by then beside him.

He paused to look back.
On the opposite wall the light of the trooper's lanthorn fell brightly.
Another moment and the fellow would have reached and turned the corner of the stairs, and his light must reveal them to him.

But ere that instant was passed Crispin had drawn his companion through, and closed the door as softly as he had opened it.