"The way is dark, and you must use care in descending, Sir Count, but this is the nearest way to the ground." Max started down the steps and Mary followed close at his heels.

I followed Mary, and Duchess Margaret came after me.
When we had descended twenty steps, the upper panel was closed by some one in the bedroom, and the stairway became inky dark.

Ten steps further, I stumbled and almost fell over a soft obstruction on the stairs.

I stooped and examined it.

Fearing that the duchess might fall when she reached it, I took it up.