It was very difficult for me to clear my mind of Erik.

However, I resolved to be extremely prudent, and did not make the mistake of returning to the shore of the lake, or of going by the Communists' road.

But the idea of the secret entrance in the third cellar haunted me, and I repeatedly went and waited for hours behind a scene from the Roi de Lahore, which had been left there for some reason or other.

At last my patience was rewarded.

One day, I saw the monster come toward me, on his knees.