The untidy top shelves looked suggestive of some lucky accident which might unexpectedly lead the way to success.

I decided, if I did examine the book-case at all, to begin at the top.
Where was the library ladder?
I had left it against the partition wall which divided the back room from the room in front.

Looking that way, I necessarily looked also toward the door that ran in grooves--the imperfectly closed door through which I heard Major Fitz-David question his servant on the subject of my personal appearance when I first entered the house.

No one had moved this door during the time of my visit.

Everybody entering or leaving the room had used the other door, which led into the hall.
At the moment when I looked round something stirred in the front room.
The movement let the light in suddenly through the small open space left by the partially closed door.