Every advantage would remain with me concealed by darkness.
If I felt any premonition of fear it was not serious enough to delay progress, nor did I pause to consider the possible danger.

Wherever Coombs had gone, he was not likely to remain absent for long, nor could I expect Mrs.Henley to remain with Sallie a moment longer than she deemed necessary.

This was my opportunity and must be utilized promptly.

Standing on the sofa arm I found little difficulty in pressing my body forward into the aperture, until, extending at full length, the picture settled noiselessly back into place against the wall, excluding all light.

After listening intently, fearful lest the slight scraping might have been overheard, I arose to a crouching position, able to feel both the sides and top of the tunnel with my fingers.