The paroxysm lasted a minute or more, and he placed his arm upon the window-sill, leaning his head upon it.

Presently, as the paroxysm lessened, he thought he heard the click of a lock.

He raised his head, but his eyes were misty, and, seeing nothing, he leaned his head on his arm again.
Suddenly he felt something near him.

He swung round swiftly, and saw Vanne Castine's bear not fifteen-feet away from him! It raised itself on its hind legs, its red eyes rolling, and started towards him.

He picked up the candle from the window-sill, threw it in the animal's face, and dashed towards the door.
It was locked.