Of course this may prove to be a false alarm; but it is my duty as an officer of the law to allow no chance to slip.

But there is some one at the door.

Perhaps this is he." A heavy step was heard ascending the stair, with a great wheezing and rattling as from a man who was sorely put to it for breath.

Once or twice he stopped, as though the climb were too much for him, but at last he made his way to our door and entered.

His appearance corresponded to the sounds which we had heard.