When opposite to my door the footsteps ceased. Was he listening
whether my fears were allayed and my caution were asleep? Did he
hope to take me by surprise? Yet, if so, why did he allow so many
noisy signals to betray his approach? Presently the steps were
again heard to approach the door. A hand was laid upon the lock,
and the latch pulled back. Did he imagine it possible that I
should fail to secure the door? A slight effort was made to push
it open, as if, all bolts being withdrawn, a slight effort only was
required.
I no sooner perceived this than I moved swiftly toward the window.
Carwin's frame might be said to be all muscle. His strength and
activity had appeared, in various instances, to be prodigious. A
slight exertion of his force would demolish the door. Would not
that exertion be made? Too surely it would; but, at the same
moment that this obstacle should yield and he should enter the
apartment, my determination was formed to leap from the window. My
senses were still bound to this object. I gazed at the door in
momentary expectation that the assault would be made.
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