do, but presently observed that probably his ears had misinformed him.
It was hardly possible that the sound proceeded from them. It might be a
rat, or his own fancy might have fashioned it. It is not easy to
describe my trepidations while this conference was holding. I saw how
easily their slumber was disturbed. The obstacles to my escape were less
surmountable than I had imagined.

In a little time all was again still. I waited till the usual tokens of
sleep were distinguishable. I once more resumed my attempt. The bolt was
withdrawn with all possible slowness; but I could by no means prevent
all sound. My state was full of inquietude and suspense; my attention
being painfully divided between the bolt and the condition of the
sleepers. The difficulty lay in giving that degree of force which was
barely sufficient. Perhaps not less than fifteen minutes were consumed
in this operation. At last it was happily effected, and the door was
cautiously opened.

Emerging as I did from utter darkness, the light admitted into three
windows produced, to my eyes, a considerable illumination. Objects
which, on my first entrance into this apartment, were invisible, were
now clearly discerned. The bed was shrouded by curtains, yet I shrunk
back into my covert, fearful of being seen. To facilitate my escape, I
put off my shoes. My mind was so full of objects of more urgent moment,
that the propriety of taking them along with me never occurred. I left
them in the closet.

I now glided across the apartment to the door. I was not a little
discouraged by observing that the key was wanting. My whole hope
depended on the omission to lock it. In my haste to ascertain this
point, I made some noise which again roused one of the sleepers. He