Gradually it ceded to the strain Galliard set upon it.
Nearer came the sentry's footsteps, but they went unheeded by him who toiled, and by him who watched with bated breath and beating heart.

He felt it giving--giving--giving.

Crack! With a report that rang through the room like a pistol shot, it broke off in its socket.

Both men caught their breath, and stood for a second crouching, with straining ears.

The sentry had stopped at their door.
Galliard was a man of quick action, swift to think, and as swift to execute the thought.