I discovered no outward signs of life, but was too thoroughly versed in wilderness ways to count upon that, knowing that each dark shadow along the wall might conceal some crouching stealthy figure, ready to pounce forth.

With utmost care, anxiously scanning the silent hillside, I drew myself forward, hardly venturing upon a full breath, until I finally rested on my breast barely three paces from where I believed the entrance must be.
I dreaded any attempt to advance into the unknown, yet I had no intention of withdrawing until I had accomplished that end for which I came.

To retreat was foreign to my nature; indeed, I was now so close to Eloise, it required an effort of will to restrain a desire to rush blindly forward.

But long training overcame this rash impulse.

I rested there, silent as a savage, seeking to trace each detail of what was barely beyond my hand.