Then I slipped from the room and stood behind a tall clock in the corridor, watching Miss Holmes's door and reflecting what a fool I should look if anyone chanced to find me.
Half an hour or so later by the light of the setting moon which struggled through a window, I saw the door open and Miss Holmes emerge in a kind of dressing-gown and still wearing the necklace which Harut and Marut had given her.

Of this I was sure for the light gleamed upon the red stones.
Also it shone upon her face and showed me without doubt that she was walking in her sleep.
Gliding as silently as a ghost she crossed the corridor and vanished.
I followed and saw that she had descended an ancient, twisting stairway which I had noted in the castle wall.

I went after her, my stockinged feet making no noise, feeling my way carefully in the darkness of the stair, for I did not dare to strike a match.

Beneath me I heard a noise as of someone fumbling with bolts.

Then a door creaked on its hinges and there was some light.