He took off his shoes in the entry, and got safely into his own room.

He was in his night-gown and all ready for bed when another daring thought struck him.
Ephraim padded softly on his bare feet out through the kitchen to the pantry.

Every third step or so he stopped and listened to the heavy double breathing from the bedroom beyond.

So long as that continued he was safe.

He listened, and then slid on a pace or two as noiseless as a shadow in the moonlight.
Ephraim knew well where the mince-pies were kept.