I held by the old trees as I went down the bank, step by step.

I had to turn and pass a clump of trees before I reached the boat-house door.
I was there! With a beating heart I stepped up on the threshold.

There were two doors, one that opened on the path, one that opened on the river.

The house was empty.

I had a little sinking pang of disappointment, but I passed on to the door looking out on the river.