In that event, however, it wasn't likely Tippo Sahib would meet with any trouble in following him.
The heart of the youth throbbed violently when he stepped out in the moonlight and comprehended the perilous nature of the business.
"If he comes out tail first," was his thought, "I'll have a chance to dodge him; but if he comes head first, I'll be a goner." He was not idle while these imaginings were passing through his mind.

Step by step, and on tiptoe, he stole forward, until he stood within a couple of paces of the fastening.

Then it was that his courage almost deserted him, and the desire to turn about and make a dash for the door behind him was well-nigh irresistible.
But the thought of that magnificent hundred dollars restrained and nerved him to push on.

Another step and he had but to lean forward with outstretched arm, seize the door, and snap it toward him.

He was in the act of doing so, when he heard a guttural growl from within.