With the utmost care I started on my journey.

I stole across the stone floor of the hall easily and quietly enough, but I found the real difficulty begin when I came to the stairs.

They were of wood, and creaked and groaned under me to such an extent that, with each step I trod, I expected the men to take the alarm.

Fortunately all went well until I passed the first corner--I chose, of course, the left-hand flight--then a board jumped under my foot with a crack which sounded in the empty hall, and to my excited ears, as loud as a pistol-shot.

I was in two minds whether I should not on the instant make a rush for it, but happily I stood still.