I knew than that to struggle at the moment against the Count was useless.

With such allies as these at his command, I could do nothing.
But still the door continued slowly to open, and only the Count's body stood in the gap.

Suddenly it struck me that this might be the moment and means of my doom.

I was to be given to the wolves, and at my own instigation.

There was a diabolical wickedness in the idea great enough for the Count, and as the last chance I cried out, "Shut the door! I shall wait till morning." And I covered my face with my hands to hide my tears of bitter disappointment.
With one sweep of his powerful arm, the Count threw the door shut, and the great bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into their places.
In silence we returned to the library, and after a minute or two I went to my own room.