He examined the opening quickly and carefully while the light remained, and when Miss Anne returned to the door he whispered again through the keyhole, 'Don't be afraid.

It's me--Stephen; I'm coming in through the pantry window.' He knew his danger.

He knew if any of the robbers came up they must hear him removing the wooden lattice which was laid over the opening; and unless they supposed it to be one of their accomplices at work, he would be at once in their power, exposed to their ill-treatment, or perhaps suffer death at their hands.

And would Miss Anne within trust to him instead of alarming the master?
If he came down and opened the door, all the designs of the evil men would be hastened and finished before Martha could return from Longville.

But Stephen did not listen, nor did his fingers tremble over their work, though there was a rush of thoughts and fears through his brain.