It was too late; if that light fell on him all was lost.

In an instant Miriam took her resolve.

With an effort she swung the door wide, then as Nehushta dragged again she sprang forward, keeping in the shadow of the wall.

The Jew who held the lantern, alarmed by the sounds within, entered hastily and, catching his foot against the body of a dead man who lay there, stumbled so that he fell upon his knee.

In her hand Miriam held the key, and as the guard regained his feet, but not before its light fell upon her, she struck with it at the lamp, breaking and extinguishing it.
Then she turned to fly, for, as she knew well, the stone would now be swinging on its pivot.
Alas! her chance had gone, for the man, stretching out his arm, caught her about the middle and held her fast, shouting loudly for help.