An hand was laid upon the lock, and the latch pulled back.

Did he imagine it possible that I should fail to secure the door?
A slight effort was made to push it open, as if all bolts being withdrawn, a slight effort only was required.
I no sooner perceived this, than I moved swiftly towards the window.
Carwin's frame might be said to be all muscle.

His strength and activity had appeared, in various instances, to be prodigious.

A slight exertion of his force would demolish the door.

Would not that exertion be made?
Too surely it would; but, at the same moment that this obstacle should yield, and he should enter the apartment, my determination was formed to leap from the window.