They then took off their boots, and crept stealthily up stairs, treading upon the point of their toes so cautiously, that not a board creaked beneath their weight.
Pausing at each door on the landing, Jack placed his ear to the keyhole, and listened intently.

Having ascertained by the breathing which room Thames occupied, he speedily contrived to fasten him in.

He then tried the door of Mr.Wood's bed-chamber--it was locked, with the key left in it.

This occasioned a little delay; but Jack, whose skill as a workman in the particular line he had chosen was unequalled, and who laughed at difficulties, speedily cut out a panel by means of a centre-bit and knife, took the key from the other side, and unlocked the door.

Covering his face with a crape mask, and taking the candle from his associate, Jack entered the room; and, pistol in hand, stepped up to the bed, and approached the light to the eyes of the sleepers.