CHAPTER XX In the Cellars of the Opera.
"Your hand high, ready to fire!" repeated Raoul's companion quickly.
The wall, behind them, having completed the circle which it described upon itself, closed again; and the two men stood motionless for a moment, holding their breath.
At last, the Persian decided to make a movement; and Raoul heard him slip on his knees and feel for something in the dark with his groping hands.

Suddenly, the darkness was made visible by a small dark lantern and Raoul instinctively stepped backward as though to escape the scrutiny of a secret enemy.

But he soon perceived that the light belonged to the Persian, whose movements he was closely observing.

The little red disk was turned in every direction and Raoul saw that the floor, the walls and the ceiling were all formed of planking.

It must have been the ordinary road taken by Erik to reach Christine's dressing-room and impose upon her innocence.