Besides, methinks a spirit would pass easily along the straightest place, and would not need to fumble thus as if in search of hidden bolts.
"Ha! what is that! Methought some spring shot back.

Hist! here IT comes!" The boy lay back upon his bed, drawing the clothes silently up to his very eyes.

The moonlight had shifted just a little, and no longer illumined his face.

That was now in shadow, and would scarce reveal the fact that he was awake.

He lay perfectly still, scarce daring to draw his breath, and the next moment a strange thing happened.
The whole of one of the great carved pillars that supported the high mantle shelf swung noiselessly forward, and stood out at right angles to the wall.