I was not far now from the south wall of the stable, which loomed black and shapeless against the sky.

Not a movement revealed the whereabouts of the guard, and, with the girl's description to guide me, I concluded the fellow would be stationed at the other extremity of the building.

Convinced as to this probability I dragged my body slowly forward until I could touch the log wall.

I could see better now, being myself in the denser shadow, and knew the passage was clear to the corner.
Assured of this I rose to my feet, revolver in hand, and pressing close against the side of the building, advanced quickly and silently.

At the corner I peered about, scarcely daring to breathe, but with heart pounding, as I caught sight of the fellow, not over three feet distant.
He was seated on an overturned bucket, his back toward me, both hands clasping a musket, his head bent slightly forward.