I dared not remain, or even venture to test the lock.

Gunsaules had said this was her place of confinement, and there was seemingly no reason why she should have been given a guard.

Beyond doubt the girl was within and alone, and I must trust her quick intelligence to respond to my written message.

I thrust it through the narrow opening above the sill, and the moment it disappeared within, stole swiftly back to my own room.

The action had not been seen, and yet I had scarcely a moment to spare.