Her quick eye caught its gleam, and I saw her press closer to the wall, and with her right hand strive stealthily to detach the blade from its fastening.

She did not understand the trick.

Her hand dropped to her side, and she was passing on, when I crossed the room, loosened the dagger, and offered it to her, with a smile and a bow.

She flushed scarlet and bit her lips, but she took it.
"There are bars to the door within," I said.

"Again, good-night." "Good-night," she answered, and, entering the room, she shut the door.