But crack there was none.

Only as I looked further I saw that the reams of paper, which lay usually near the press, were moved somewhat to one side.

Now, as my master was always particular that the paper should lie always in the same place, it seemed strange to me they should be so disturbed.

But on going nearer I perceived the reason.

For there, usually hidden to view, was now exposed a cunning trap-door, opened by a hinge and sunken ring in the boards.
Now, having found so much, it would have been out of all nature had I gone back to my work and thought no more of the matter; besides, the strange noise still continued.