I passed through and explored my way to the staircase. I descended till
I reached the bottom. I could not recollect with accuracy the position
of the door leading into the court, but, by carefully feeling along the
wall with my hands, I at length discovered it. It was fastened by
several bolts and a lock. The bolts were easily withdrawn, but the key
was removed. I knew not where it was deposited. I thought I had reached
the threshold of liberty, but here was an impediment that threatened to
be insurmountable.

But, if doors could not be passed, windows might be unbarred. I
remembered that my companion had gone into a door on the left hand, in
search of a light. I searched for this door. Fortunately it was fastened
only by a bolt. It admitted me into a room which I carefully explored
till I reached a window. I will not dwell on my efforts to unbar this
entrance. Suffice it to say that, after much exertion and frequent
mistakes, I at length found my way into the yard, and thence passed into
the court.




CHAPTER V.


Now I was once more on public ground. By so many anxious efforts had I
disengaged myself from the perilous precincts of private property. As
many stratagems as are usually made to enter a house had been employed
by me to get out of it. I was urged to the use of them by my fears; yet,
so far from carrying off spoil, I had escaped with the loss of an