The key was withdrawn, and a light appeared through the hole where it had been.

Nino instantly fastened his eye to the aperture, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hedwig.

But he could not see anything save two white hands trying to cover the key with wax.

He withdrew his eye quickly, as the hands pushed the key through again.
Again the lock groaned,--a little sob of effort, another trial, and the bolts flew back to their sockets.

The prudent Temistocle, who did not wish to be a witness of what followed, pretended to exert gigantic strength in pulling the door open, and Nino, seeing him, drew back a moment to let him pass.
"Your excellency need only knock at the upper door," he said to Hedwig, "and I will open.