Chains creaked, hinges groaned, and the great black pall above him began gradually to rise.

Faster it went, till, at last, it fell back into position, flat with the wall of the chateau, and such little light as there was from the moon was beating down upon his frozen face.
He let the chain go, and, with strokes swift and silent as he could contrive, he crossed the water.

He clambered up the bank, almost bereft of strength.

A moment he crouched there listening.

Had he moved too soon?
Had he been incautious?
Nothing stirred behind him to confirm his fears.