at point it
seemed to disappear into impenetrable darkness. This line of change
was so distinct that I surmised at once it marked a descent to a lower
level, either by ladder or stairs. Well, this would benefit me, rather
than otherwise, for if anyone was concealed therein it would be down
below, where the light streaming into the upper passage, as I pressed
back the frame to gain room for my body, would be unnoticed. There was
no hesitancy as to what I must do. Now I had discovered this secret
passage it must be thoroughly explored. The safest way was to burrow
through the dark, trusting to hands and feet for safety, and prepared
for any encounter. Whoever might be hidden away there would certainly
possess some light, sufficient for any warning I needed. Every
advantage would remain with me concealed by darkness.

If I felt any premonition of fear it was not serious enough to delay
progress, nor did I pause to consider the possible danger. Wherever
Coombs had gone, he was not likely to remain absent for long, nor could
I expect Mrs. Henley to remain with Sallie a moment longer than she
deemed necessary. This was my opportunity and must be utilized
promptly. Standing on the sofa arm I found little difficulty in
pressing my body forward into the aperture, until, extending at full
length, the picture settled noiselessly back into place against the
wall, excluding all light. After listening intently, fearful lest the
slight scraping might have been overheard, I arose to a crouching
position, able to feel both the sides and top of the tunnel with my
fingers. Inch by inch, silently, my soft breathing the only noticeable
sound, I worked forward, anxiously exploring for the break in the
floor, which I knew to be only a few feet distance. Even then I
reached it unaware of its proximity, experiencing a sudden, unpleasant
shock as my extended hand groped about touching nothing tangible.

I was some time determining the exact nature of what was before me.
There were no stairs, nor did any shafts of a ladder protrude above the
floor level. Only as I lay flat, and felt cautiously across from wall
to wall, could I determine what led below. All was black as a well, as
noiseless as a grave, yet there was a ladder exactly fitting the space,
spiked solidly into the flooring. My groping fingers could reach two
of the rungs, and they felt sound and strong. With face outward I
trusted myself to their support, and began the