scended the stair. Just when his head had reached the level of the
pavement, he turned half round and once more raked the square with a
suspicious eyeshot. The mufflings had fallen lower round his neck; the
moon shone full upon him; and I was startled to observe the pallor and
passionate agitation of his face.

I could remain no longer passive. Persuaded that something deadly was
afoot, I crossed the roadway and drew near the area railings. There was
no one below; the man must therefore have entered the house, with what
purpose I dreaded to imagine. I have at no part of my career lacked
courage; and now, finding the area gate was merely laid-to, I pushed it
gently open and descended the stairs. The kitchen door of the house,
like the area gate, was closed but not fastened. It flashed upon me
that the criminal was thus preparing his escape; and the thought, as it
confirmed the worst of my suspicions, lent me new resolve. I entered the
house; and being now quite reckless of my life, I shut and locked the
door.

From the dining-room above I could hear the pleasant tones of a voice in
easy conversation. On the ground floor all was not only profoundly
silent, but the darkness seemed to weigh upon my eyes. Here, then, I
stood for some time, having thrust myself uncalled into the utmost
peril, and being destitute of any power to help or interfere. Nor will I
deny that fear had begun already to assail me, when I became aware, all
at once and as though by some immediate but silent incandescence, of a
certain glimmering of light upon the passage floor. Towards this I
groped my way with infinite precaution; and having come at length as far
as the angle of the corridor, beheld the door of the butler's pantry
standing just ajar and a narrow thread of brightness falling from the
chink. Creeping still closer, I put my eye to the aperture. The man sat
within upon a chair, listening, I could see, with the most rapt
attention. On a table before him he had laid a watch, a pair of steel
revolvers, and a bull's-eye lantern. For one second many contradictory
theories and projects whirled together in my head; the next, I had
slammed the door and turned the key upon the malefactor. Surprised at my
own decision, I stood and panted, leaning on the wall. From within the
pantry not a sound was to be heard; the man, whatever he was, had
accepted his fate without a struggle, and now, as I hugged myself to
fancy, sat frozen with terror and looking f